NEW YORK CITY, June 9, 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump faced loud boos from sections of the crowd at Madison Square Garden on Monday night as he became the first sitting American president to attend an NBA Finals game.
The reaction came when Trump appeared on the arena’s giant video screens during the national anthem before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. While some spectators applauded, many others responded with audible jeers, reflecting the president’s complicated relationship with his hometown.
Despite the mixed reception, Trump later downplayed the incident, telling reporters after the game that the crowd response was largely positive.
“It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic,” the president said.
Heavy Security Disrupts Fans and Businesses
Trump’s attendance triggered an extensive security operation around Madison Square Garden, leading to significant disruptions for fans, commuters, and local businesses.
Thousands of New York Police Department officers, alongside hundreds of U.S. Secret Service personnel, were deployed around the venue. Streets surrounding the arena were closed to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, while metal barricades and airport-style security checkpoints created long lines extending for several city blocks.
Many fans expressed frustration over the delays and restrictions. Some local businesses also reported lower-than-expected customer traffic as security barriers limited access to nearby bars and restaurants that would normally benefit from the Finals atmosphere.
One fan described the security measures as “killing the vibe of the Knicks,” while others complained about the difficulties in navigating the area.
Knicks Fall to Spurs in Game 3
On the court, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111, reducing New York’s lead in the best-of-seven championship series to 2-1.
The Finals appearance marks the Knicks’ first trip to the NBA championship series since 1999, sparking widespread excitement across New York City. Fans packed bars, public viewing areas, and streets throughout Manhattan to support the team.
The heightened enthusiasm has led to large gatherings throughout the postseason, with previous Finals watch parties drawing thousands of supporters.
Celebrity-Filled Crowd
The game attracted numerous celebrities, including actors Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also in attendance.
Trump arrived at the arena accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump, Knicks owner James Dolan, and several members of his administration, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Expensive Finals Tickets
The historic Finals run has driven ticket prices to extraordinary levels. Online resale tickets for Game 3 reportedly started above $10,000 and reached well over $100,000 for premium seats, making attendance unattainable for many fans.
Asked about the soaring prices before the game, Trump remarked, “That’s the way life goes. It’s sort of semi-free to watch it on television.”
As the Knicks continue their pursuit of a championship, the team’s success has energized New York City. However, Trump’s appearance ensured that the night’s headlines extended well beyond the action on the basketball court.
Reporting by IJ-Reportika News Desk
