President Donald Trump received a loud chorus of boos at Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, a game the Knicks lost 115-111, breaking a 13-game playoff winning streak.
His historic attendance, the first by a sitting U.S. president at an NBA Finals, led to significant security delays for fans and garnered criticism from politicians like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, despite NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcoming his presence.
President Donald Trump was met with a chorus of loud boos at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday night, prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The game ultimately saw the Knicks lose 115-111, snapping an impressive 13-game playoff winning streak, though they still lead the series 2-1.
The thunderous jeers erupted when President Trump was shown on the Jumbotron alongside Knicks owner James Dolan in Dolan's suite during the national anthem. The crowd's disapproval quickly shifted to cheers as the screen then focused on Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who was standing on the court. The Knicks, seeking their first NBA title since 1973, had entered the game with a commanding 2-0 series lead after winning both contests in San Antonio.
President Trump's attendance, a first for a sitting U.S. president at an NBA Finals game, led to significant logistical challenges. Security screenings caused ticket-holding fans to endure waits of two hours or more to enter the famed Midtown Manhattan arena. As his motorcade made its way to the Garden, it passed signs bearing messages such as "Nobody wants you here," "Trump must go," and "Impeach. Convict. Remove," though others along the street also waved American flags.
Despite the public outcry, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented to ESPN's "Inside The NBA" before the game that President Trump was "welcome to be here," emphasizing sports' capacity to unite people amidst divisions. Silver was later seen engaging in conversation with President Trump in Dolan's suite during the game.
A host of dignitaries and celebrities were also present. Among those in President Trump's suite were his granddaughter Kai Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and his valet Walt Nauta. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was spotted courtside. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, film directors and Knicks superfans Spike Lee and Ben Stiller, actor Timothée Chalamet, and "Law & Order" co-stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni were also in attendance. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg famously found Knicks guard Jose Alvarado landing in his lap while scrambling for a loose ball.
As a native of Queens and a former Manhattan real estate developer, President Trump holds a significantly unpopular standing in heavily Democratic New York City. His planned attendance had already drawn derision from some Knicks fans, who voiced concerns that his presence would disrupt the team's rhythm. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the top Democrat in the House, publicly criticized President Trump for injecting himself into the city's celebration, especially given the cancellation of local game watch parties due to the extensive security perimeter set up by the NYPD.
