Following the New York Knicks’ dominant 119-81 Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics on May 16, 2025, which secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, the electric atmosphere among Knicks fans turned controversial. A video circulating widely on social media captured Knicks supporters throwing objects at ESPN NBA analyst Brian Windhorst outside Madison Square Garden (MSG). The incident, which has sparked heated discussion about fan behavior, highlights the intense passion surrounding New York’s playoff run.
The Incident
The footage, posted on May 19, 2025, shows a chaotic moment outside MSG after the Knicks’ series-clinching win. Windhorst, a well-known ESPN reporter, is seen walking away from the arena when unidentified objects are thrown toward him. The clip quickly went viral, racking up thousands of views and fueling a wave of online reactions. Reports suggest this incident occurred just before another widely shared moment where a Knicks fan verbally confronted Windhorst over his perceived pro-Celtics commentary during the series, indicating escalating fan frustration.
Context: Why Windhorst?
Brian Windhorst has become a polarizing figure for some Knicks fans during the 2024-25 postseason. His cautious analysis, particularly his doubts about the Knicks’ ability to defeat the defending champion Celtics, drew criticism from New York’s devoted fanbase. Before Game 6, Windhorst’s commentary on television and podcasts, where he questioned the Knicks’ chances of closing out the series, was seen by some as undermining their dominance.
The Knicks’ emphatic Game 6 performance, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, resulted in a 38-point rout that ended Boston’s title defense. For Knicks fans, who have waited 25 years for a conference finals berth, the victory was a moment of catharsis. Windhorst, however, became a target for their emotions, with fans taking to the streets to express their discontent—both verbally and, in this case, physically.
Fan Behavior Under Scrutiny
The viral video has elicited mixed responses. Some Knicks supporters celebrated the fervor of their fanbase, viewing the incident as a testament to New York’s intense basketball culture. Others condemned the behavior, arguing that throwing objects crosses a line from passionate fandom to dangerous conduct.
The episode also echoes reports of Knicks fans throwing a bag of garbage at a Pacers fan earlier in the postseason, raising further concerns about crowd behavior at MSG. While Windhorst appeared unharmed, reportedly smiling and continuing on his way, the image of fans targeting a media member has prompted questions about the boundaries of playoff enthusiasm.
The Bigger Picture
This incident reflects the high stakes and raw emotion of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, especially for a Knicks franchise that has endured years of struggle. The victory over Boston marks a historic milestone for the team, signaling their resurgence as legitimate contenders. However, the actions of a few fans risk overshadowing this achievement. While the energy of Knicks fans has been a driving force behind the team’s success, throwing objects could cast a shadow over their triumphant narrative.
The NBA and MSG security may review the footage to identify those involved, though no official statements from the league or the Knicks have been issued as of May 19, 2025.
Windhorst’s Response
Windhorst has not publicly addressed the object-throwing incident, maintaining his reputation for professionalism. Reports noted his composure during the subsequent verbal confrontation, where he remained calm despite the hostility. His ability to move past the encounter aligns with his long-standing approach to covering the NBA, where he focuses on reporting amid fan criticism.
What’s Next?
As the Knicks gear up to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, attention will remain on both their on-court performance and their fans’ behavior. The team’s commanding Game 6 win has cemented their contender status, but incidents like this could lead to heightened security measures at MSG or potential league sanctions if deemed serious.
For now, the video of Knicks fans throwing objects at Brian Windhorst remains a contentious footnote in an otherwise glorious moment for New York basketball. It serves as a reminder that in the heat of playoff success, passion can sometimes veer into actions that detract from the game’s spirit.
