On Wednesday, when the New York Knicks return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, Madison Square Garden will shine — even if the first game is played 1,820 miles southwest of the Frostbank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
As the lowest seed in their respective conference, the San Antonio Spurs get Game 1 (and 2, 5, and 7 if need be) at home. But that doesn’t mean New Yorkers will stay in tonight. The New York Police Department approved a permit for a watch party outside MSG at Plaza 33, an NYPD public information officer said. Hollywood Reporter. There were no watch parties at the headquarters of the Eastern Conference Finals when the Knicks dismantled the Cleveland Cavaliers.
An additional outdoor viewing party is set for SummerStage in Central Park. The team says Knicks alumni will appear at all official watch parties.
It would be a nice night to beat the Knicks. Come game time, temperatures will be in the 60s in New York City.
There will also be a watch party inside Madison Square Garden on the Jumbotron. Tickets cost $10 and net proceeds go to the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The Knicks also plan to sell two “Celebrity Row” seats at Game 3 (Monday, June 8) to benefit the same charity. So, have a little fun with the publishing man, Timothée Chalamet.
“The Garden of Dreams Foundation is the most important work we do at the Madison Square Garden family of companies, and we are proud that this foundation has made a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the tri-state region,” James Dolan, CEO and CEO of MSG Sports, said in Tuesday’s announcement. “Providing Celebrity Row seating for the NBA Finals at The Garden represents an unforgettable opportunity for fans, while supporting an organization that truly changes lives for the better.”
Tonight will be a big test for the Knicks, and not just because they’ll be facing 7’4″ French phenom Victor Wimpanyama on enemy soil. Thanks to sweeps of both the Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers, the Eastern Conference champions haven’t prepared for a game in nine days; The Spurs ended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season last Saturday. Comfort is great, but rust is real.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals kicks off Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
