New York Knicks owner James Dolan isn't afraid to call out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, that's for sure.
Mamdani honored the Knicks this Thursday with a passionate speech at at City Hall. He praised their toughness and resiliency, which was on full display during their 29-point comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
"The numbers and your computers gave 99.6% chance for the Spurs to win Game 4. But it's in that 0.4% chance that this team and this city become different from everything and everyone," Mamdani said. "The Knicks did not just win for New York City, they won like New York City."
In addition to talking about New York's toughness, Mamdani had special shoutouts for a handful of former and current Knicks players.
After Mamdani stepped off the stage, Dolan showed up to the podium and took a not-so-subtle shot at the city's mayor.
"I don't need your vote," Dolan said. "I don't need to quote to you what happened. If you're real Knick fans you know it already."
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What's the issue for Dolan and Mamdani?
When the Knicks' watch party outside of MSG was canceled for Game 4, Dolan placed the blame on Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
"They don't want the celebration," Dolan said. "I can't tell you why they don't want the celebration, right? I'm not sure they know why they don't want the celebration, but they clearly don't want it."
Mamdani fired back at Dolan with a fiery message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans," Mamdani said. "We approved that permit for 999 fans. Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party. I know this is breaking hearts across our city. But if there's one thing Knicks fans don't need permission for, it's showing up for our team wherever we may be — no matter the block or the borough. Knicks in five."
Judging by this Thursday's comments, this beef between Dolan and Mamdani is far from over.
