Knicks Fans Burn Sage Outside Madison Square Garden to Protest Barricades Ahead of Game 4
Hours before Game 4 of the Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals, New Yorkers gathered outside Madison Square Garden to burn copal and sage, hoping to bring better luck to the hometown team after a Game 3 loss. Fans described the cleansing ritual as a response to what they saw as bad energy surrounding the arena, with some blaming President Donald Trump’s appearance at Game 3 for the shift in momentum. Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday, drawing loud boos from the crowd and fueling online speculation after videos appeared to show him dozing off during the broadcast.
The atmosphere around the Garden was tense and highly controlled. A large security perimeter stretching across multiple blocks remained in place for Game 4, even though no Secret Service agents were visible. The heavy police presence, with hundreds of NYPD officers and security personnel, restricted access to the area and blocked many fans and vendors from entering the usual pregame scene. Some supporters said the barriers hurt the lively street culture that normally surrounds Knicks playoff games, especially for independent sellers and nearby businesses that rely on game-day foot traffic.
Madison Square Garden had requested permission for a watch party of up to 999 people, and city officials approved the event, but it was later canceled by team owner James Dolan. The cancellation disappointed many fans who had hoped to gather in a central public space to support the team together. Still, fans found other ways to celebrate, with official watch parties in Bryant Park, packed bars in Lower Manhattan, and crowded spots like Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria drawing large groups eager to watch the game.
Some fans viewed the restrictions as necessary for public safety, saying the police were working long shifts in difficult conditions and doing their best to manage the crowds. Officers reportedly worked 16-hour shifts, and several described the scene as unusually intense, though major problems were limited during Game 3. Others, however, argued that the security setup went too far and dulled the spirit of a city known for spontaneous public celebrations. They said New Yorkers should be allowed to gather freely to support their team without feeling boxed in by barricades.
The mood among fans was a mix of frustration, superstition, pride, and loyalty. Some blamed Trump’s visit for “bad voodoo,” while others focused on the team’s need to regroup after the loss. Vendors, musicians, and everyday fans still turned out in Knicks colors, carrying signs, charms, and good-luck symbols as they waited for Game 4. Despite the tension, the event showed how deeply the playoff run had energized the city and how strongly many New Yorkers wanted to turn the series back in their team’s favor.
