The presence of President Donald Trump at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs created a stir among fans and added an extra layer of security to the event. The president, a longtime Knicks supporter, attended the game as the guest of team owner James Dolan, marking a historic moment as the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with fans eager to witness the Knicks’ quest for their first championship since 1973. However, Trump’s attendance brought a mix of reactions, from boos during the national anthem to heightened security measures that caused inconveniences for many.
The National Anthem Incident
As the national anthem began, the video screens at Madison Square Garden displayed President Trump giving a military salute. The moment was met with a mix of boos and cheers from the crowd. Chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” echoed through the arena, but they gave way to boos as Trump’s image appeared on the screens. The jeers subsided when the U.S. flag followed him on the screens, and fans cheered when the Knicks players were shown. Mentions of the Spurs also elicited vociferous boos.
Trump, seemingly unfazed by the reaction, told reporters after the game, “It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” He watched the game from Dolan’s suite, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, personal adviser Boris Epshteyn, and Cabinet secretaries Lee Zeldin, Sean Duffy, and Doug Burgum.
Security Measures and Fan Reactions
The New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service set up a large perimeter surrounding Madison Square Garden, causing significant inconveniences for fans and commuters alike. Fans lined up to get inside the arena more than four hours before tipoff, facing extensive security checks and a no-bag policy. The heightened security measures led to the cancellation of a watch party outside the arena, which had drawn thousands of fans during earlier playoff games.
Knicks fan Greg Weldon, who traveled from Florida for the game, expressed frustration with the lack of information and the extensive security measures. “We’ve asked so many cops, Secret Service, guys with machine guns, what to do, where should we go. Nobody knows,” he said. Despite the inconveniences, Knicks coach Mike Brown and Spurs counterpart Mitch Johnson downplayed the impact of the closures and enhanced security.
Impact on the Game and Future Events
The Knicks’ historic 13-game winning streak was broken during Game 3, with the Spurs winning 115-111. The heightened security measures and Trump’s attendance added an extra layer of complexity to the event, affecting the atmosphere both inside and outside the arena. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch assured fans that watch parties would resume for Game 4, acknowledging that New Yorkers are accustomed to the security measures that come with presidential visits.
The security measures echoed those from Trump’s appearance at last year’s U.S. Open men’s singles final, where lengthy security lines caused many fans to miss the start of the match. Federal law enforcement officials have been reexamining Trump’s security in light of recent incidents, including a shooting at a 2026 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Fan Sentiment and Future Implications
The mixed reactions to Trump’s attendance highlighted the political divide among NBA fans. While some fans objected to his presence, others acknowledged his long-standing support for the Knicks. The extensive security measures and the cancellation of the watch party altered the atmosphere around one of the biggest nights in the team’s history.
As the Knicks aim to secure their first championship in over five decades, the impact of Trump’s attendance and the heightened security measures will continue to be a topic of discussion among fans and officials alike. The event served as a reminder of the intersection of sports, politics, and security in today’s society.
