Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York City, made an unpublicized appearance at Madison Square Garden to witness the Knicks clinch a win against the Cavaliers in Game 2 on Thursday night. Mamdani secured tickets at face value, close to a section where seats were priced around $700.
Although his attendance wasn’t included in his official schedule, Mamdani shared a cheerful photo with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams inside the venue. The post, captioned “Knicks forever,” was shared after the Knicks’ impressive 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
During the game, a fan who purchased a ticket for approximately $700 captured an image of the Mayor seated nearby. This was reported by NY1 journalist Bernadette Hogan on the social media platform X.
A City Hall spokesperson confirmed to Hogan that Mamdani bought his ticket at face value. However, City Hall did not provide an immediate response to The Post’s request for further comment.
Outside Madison Square Garden, the crowd’s attention seemed more focused on Knicks player Jalen Brunson rather than on Mamdani or his rumored “Curse of the Mambino,” which was humorously linked to the Mets’ recent losing streak.
Prior to the Knicks’ thrilling comeback win on Tuesday night, Voodoo King Michael Washington conducted a spiritual cleanse to alleviate fans’ concerns over the Mayor’s alleged mystical influences.
But some young spectators didn’t have a clue who Mamdani is.
Kevin Taylor, 18, watched the game with his friends Kevin Burke, 19, and Kristian Charles, 17, in the outdoor viewing area at MSG.
âI feel great. Knicks are flowing, you know, they’re doing great,” Taylor told The Post. âIf they make it to the finals, weâre gonna need a bigger TV though.â
âMamdani? Whoâs that?” Taylor said when asked about the mayor. âThatâs the mayor!â Charles chimed in.
âJalen Brunson is the mayor of New York right now,” Taylor responded.
Jailine Polanco, a 29-year-old esthetician and Mets fan, had a stronger reaction after learning Mamdani was in the arena.
“I didn’t know about the curse. But now it all makes sense. .. He needs to stay away from the Knicks, because they’ve been doing very good⦠Oh, he is here? â©Pack him up. â©I pack him up. Now,” Polanco said.
âHe needs to worry about his city, not about Knicks basketball,” added her friend, Kristian Diaz.
