Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Responds to Viral NBA Finals Moment

Huge names lined the court at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks took the court for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, including former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

During the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, Knicks guard Jose Alvarado chased after a loose ball and dove into the first row of the crowd at MSG. He landed directly on Bloomberg, who was seated court-side in the corner opposite of the Knicks’ bench.

Alvarado checked on Bloomberg before returning to the court. The 84-year-old billionaire waved off MSG staff and remained in his seat for the remainder of the game.

Bloomberg addressed the incident with a message on social media Tuesday.

“Great to meet NYC’s homegrown star, @AlvaradoJose15. But next time, Jose, just call me. Let's go Knicks!” Bloomberg wrote on X.

More Basketball:LeBron James Sends Blunt Message About His Place in NBA History

The Knicks went on to lose with a 115-111 final score, dropping the franchise’s first NBA Finals home game since 1999. The loss also snapped a historic 13-game playoff win streak for the team.

"He's fine. The only pain is from the Knicks' loss last night,” a spokesperson for Bloomberg told USA Today.

More Basketball:Magic Johnson Reacts to Victor Wembanyama Joining Him in NBA History

The Knicks lead the Spurs 2-1 after stealing both Game 1 and Game 2 on the road in San Antonio. If the Spurs are able to go back-to-back at Madison Square Garden, they’ll tie the series at 2-2 as it returns to the Frost Bank Center for Game 5.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:55 PM.