President Donald J. Trump was met with boos from the crowd at Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The incident occurred as he was shown on the video board during the national anthem, marking his attendance at the first NBA Finals game held at the venue in 27 years.
The booing was reportedly louder than the reception given to the opposing San Antonio Spurs. President Trump, who is a New Yorker, was observed smirking during the display on the video board. Following the game, he told reporters that he considered the reception to be “very good.”
Security Measures and Fan Impact
The presence of President Trump necessitated extensive security arrangements, which led to considerable inconvenience for attendees and the city. Long queues formed for entry, a strict no-bag policy was enforced, and planned watch parties outside Madison Square Garden were cancelled.
Police and Secret Service agents established a wide security perimeter around the venue, beginning several hours before the game. Fans without tickets or work credentials were unable to access the area, and those with tickets faced lengthy, airport-style security screenings. Players were also asked to limit items brought into the arena and were subjected to searches by Secret Service agents.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox commented on the impact, stating that the president’s attendance made things inconvenient for everyone involved, citing increased security and altered team schedules. A free Knicks watch party, initially planned for outside the Garden, was relocated to Bryant Park, where reports of disturbances and police presence in riot gear emerged towards the game’s conclusion. Videos from the park showed fans booing President Trump as he appeared on projector screens.
Presidential Attendance and Reactions
President Trump was invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, who has supported the president’s campaigns. He was seated in a suite near midcourt, which was equipped with bulletproof glass for his visit. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joined the suite during the second quarter, where he spoke with President Trump.
Other individuals present in the suite included President Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, as well as Mr. Dolan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, and President Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended the game, reportedly purchasing a standing-room-only ticket.
President Trump arrived in Manhattan via Marine One and his motorcade passed several Knicks watch parties en route to the Garden. Reporters noted various public reactions along the route, including gestures and signs with critical messages. He appeared to remain for most, if not all, of the game, with his motorcade departing late in the evening.
The attendance drew comments from late-night hosts. Jimmy Kimmel remarked on President Trump’s popularity in New York, while Seth Meyers suggested that his presence disrupted the positive atmosphere surrounding the NBA Finals in the city. Jon Stewart also discussed the event, referencing President Trump’s appearance.
Neither coach of the participating teams wished to discuss the president’s attendance before Game 3. Knicks coach Mike Brown stated his focus was solely on the game, and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson indicated he preferred to be part of the event rather than not. Senator Charles Schumer of New York commented that the night should have been about the game, players, and fans, rather than President Trump.
The Knicks ultimately lost Game 3 with a score of 115-111. This marked their first playoff loss since April 23 and concluded a 13-game winning streak.
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Source: nytimes.com
