Mamdani rips Cuomo, Adams over appearance at Knicks game: ‘Corruption goes courtside’

Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani hit his opponent former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for appearing courtside with sitting Mayor Eric Adams (D) at Wednesday night’s Knicks game following the final mayoral debate. 

“Corruption goes courtside,” Mamdani posted to social platform X in response to Cuomo’s picture of him sitting with Adams.

The former governor raised eyebrows when he arrived at the game following the debate featuring him, Mamdani and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. 

The move poses the question of whether an Adams endorsement for Cuomo is in the works after the incumbent mayor dropped his own independent bid last month. The former governor was the only candidate on stage Wednesday who said he would accept the mayor’s support.

Mamdani and Cuomo repeatedly clashed during the forum, with the latter seeking to paint the race’s frontrunner as naive and inexperienced. 

“I did things. You’ve never had a job. You’ve never accomplished anything. There’s no reason to believe you merit or qualification for eight and a half million lives,” Cuomo said. “You never showed up for work, and you missed eighty percent of the votes. Shame on you.”

The Democratic nominee fired back, referring to Cuomo as “a desperate man” who is losing power and will “amplify rightwing talking points.”

The progressive State Assembly member also referred to the ex-governor as “Donald Trump’s puppet.”