A NYPD officer walks by a damaged police vehicle as crowds of New York Knicks fans become restless outside Madison Square Garden after their teams Game 4 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. | Photo Credit: AFP

Authorities in New York are searching for a man suspected of an ​assault outside Madison Square Garden that left a ‌teenager in a coma following ​Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

According ⁠to the New York Police Department, a group approached the 17-year- old after Wednesday’s game ‌and an argument ensued. The NYPD shared a photo on X ‌of a suspect who allegedly punched ‌and ⁠kicked the teen, who lapsed ⁠into a coma after suffering a seizure.

The NYPD has not provided an update on the condition ​of the teenager, ‌whose name is being withheld.

Violent incidents have flared up in the city as the Knicks seek their first NBA championship ‌in 53 years. They took a ​3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 107-106 victory against ⁠the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

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Police arrested at least 15 people following that ‌game. In addition, videos on social media appeared to show fans throwing eggs at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as he entered his team’s hotel.

“Once again, there were large crowds of people ‌who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last ​night both during and after the game,” the NYPD said in ⁠a statement Thursday. “This demonstrates exactly why the ⁠NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”

Game 5 ‌is Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas. Game 6, if necessary, ​will be at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

Published on Jun 14, 2026