Felony assaults in New York City surged by over 31% on nights when the New York Knicks competed in the NBA Finals, despite an overall decrease in crime across the city during those periods, according to a study by the non-partisan policy journal Vital City. The findings emerged from an analysis of crime statistics during the first six months of 2026.
During the Knicks' championship run, which extended to five games, overall crime complaints reportedly fell 11.1% below normal by 9 p.m. However, this trend reversed after games concluded, with crime rebounding to 38.7% above average by 1 a.m. The study concluded that a city focused on watching basketball engaged in less criminal activity, but that celebrations and bar gatherings led to a rise in incidents.
The spike in assaults during the Knicks' games provided a unique case study for researchers examining a broader trend of increasing felony assaults, which has persisted despite a citywide dip in other violent crimes. Murders and shootings were down 12.9% and 11.3%, respectively, compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, indicating the city had recovered from its highest levels of lethal violence. However, overall major crime remained 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The study noted that the increase in reported rapes was partly attributed to a broadening of the crime's legal definition in New York state. Meanwhile, offenses like robberies and burglaries showed a downward trend. Yet, felony assaults were up nearly 48% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2019.
The analysis highlighted that the increase in felony assaults during the Knicks' Finals games occurred even as other crime categories remained stable. The outcome of the games, whether a win or loss for the Knicks, did not appear to influence the assault spike.
Researchers suggested that the concentration of the increase in Manhattan—where Madison Square Garden, outdoor watch parties, and numerous bars are located—provided strong evidence of the games' impact. Felony assaults saw a 108.5% increase in Manhattan, compared to 32% in Brooklyn, 26% on Staten Island, and 10.8% in Queens. The Bronx experienced a slight decrease of 0.8%.
Over the five Finals games, the study estimated an additional 12 felony assaults per night. This number was significant, as the total year-over-year increase in felony assault across all of New York City for the first six months of 2026 was only 57 incidents. The study suggests that these five games contributed a volume of violence comparable to the entire year's increase.
In response to the findings, an NYPD spokesperson pointed to more recent data indicating a 6.4% decrease in felony assault complaints in July compared to the previous year, and a 0.4% decrease for the period through July compared to 2025.