NBA Finals players condemn fan violence after Spurs win in New York

Following violent clashes on the streets of New York, players from both the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks have condemned the incidents.

Online, viral videos showed self-proclaimed Knicks fans assaulting Spurs supporters and tearing off their team merchandise.

The incidents occurred after San Antonio's 115-111 victory over New York in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

According to local police reports seen by ESPN, the post-game unrest led to at least 21 arrests across the city.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was quick to denounce the behaviour after seeing footage of the attacks, stressing that basketball should never be used as a justification for violence.

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"My thoughts, of course, are that we can't forget it's a game. We're just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but with respect for each other. It's unacceptable," Wembanyama said.

Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns echoed those sentiments, urging fans to leave physical confrontations to the players on the court.

"The game is built on respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball in its purest state. It's the NBA Finals. There's no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court," Towns said.

Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, who grew up in neighbouring New Jersey, admitted the reception from fans made him uncomfortable, comparing it to a similarly tough environment during the Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City.

"It's my first time in New York, walking out and getting booed. I can say that. It's kind of been every series. I think [in Oklahoma City] during the Western Conference finals, we got booed a little bit. Not really much in Minnesota and Portland. But I feel like it's New York, [a] hostile environment. I don't think it would feel the same if it wasn't this hostile," he said.

San Antonio forward Julian Champagnie, a Brooklyn native, said he still felt safe moving around Manhattan but stressed that sporting rivalries should never escalate into violence.

"I feel we're here to play a basketball game. That's the main thing. I feel like, for the fans, it should never be that serious where you have to jump people, beat people up, follow people home. Whether we win, they win, it doesn't really matter. Everybody should be able to come and enjoy the game, no matter who they're rooting for," he said.

A Spurs representative confirmed to the outlet that the team has not experienced any security breaches or safety concerns during its stay in New York for the NBA Finals.