Shocking clip emerges of New York Knicks fan appearing to try set San Antonio Spurs fan on fire

A shocking social media video has shown the moment a New York Knicks fan appeared to attempt to set fire to a San Antonio Spurs supporter amid ugly scenes surrounding the NBA Finals.

There have been several nasty fan altercations in recent days as New York hosted the first home NBA finals game since 1999. The Nicks headed into Game 3 with a 2-0 lead, before they saw their three-game winning streak come to an end with a 115-111 defeat to the Spurs. That victory cut the deficit to 2-1 ahead of Game 4 in New York on Wednesday.

It is not only on the court where the two teams have battled, though. There have been reports of many heated disputes over the New York games, with San Antonio supporters being made to feel unwelcome on the East Coast.

In one video posted to social media, a Spurs fan can be seen surrounded by Knicks fans on the streets, while dozens of onlookers film the situation. Although many of the supporters appear to be taking the rivalry in good spirits, some hands can be seen trying to tear the San Antonio jersey from the man, while another leans forward with a lighter and tries to set it on fire.

An intended Game 3 watch party was relocated from Madison Square Garden due to enhanced security measures to facilitate President Donald Trump’s attendance, which forced thousands of fans to nearby Bryant Park instead. There were many ugly scenes in the wake of the Knicks' defeat, with videos showing the NYPD deploying pepper spray in an attempt to stop the violence.

Other online videos showed a Spurs fan with a bloodied face, while other supporters were spotted running through the streets as projectiles were thrown towards them. In total, there were more than 20 arrests related to fan interactions.

Speaking after Game 3, players from both teams in the NBA finals condemned apparent attacks on San Antonio Spurs fans by supporters of the New York Knicks.

“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said when he was made aware of the incidents. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, who added: “The game is built off of respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It’s the NBA finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court.”