President Trump Makes History at NBA Finals Game
President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he watched Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Knicks 115-111, ending New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak.
Event Details
The game was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Trump attended as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, who invited him. Trump watched from Dolan's suite alongside his granddaughter Kai, adviser Boris Epshteyn, and cabinet secretaries Sean Duffy (Transportation), Doug Burgum (Interior), and Lee Zeldin.
Other notable attendees included actors Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, and Tracy Morgan. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended the game and was seated in a different section.
Spurs players Victor Wembanyama (32 points), De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle contributed to the victory. The Knicks lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday.
Crowd Reception
"I believe the crowd reaction was mostly cheers."
— President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters after the game
During the singing of the national anthem, Trump was shown on the arena's video screens. Multiple sources reported that the crowd responded with boos. Cheers followed when the screen shifted to display Knicks players. Trump held a salute for approximately eight seconds.
Security Measures
The New York Police Department (NYPD) and Secret Service implemented heightened security for the event, which was the first NBA Finals game attended by a sitting president. Security measures included:
- A multi-block security perimeter around Madison Square Garden, described by some attendees as a "frozen zone"
- Road closures on Seventh and Eighth Avenues
- TSA-style screening and a no-bag policy for ticket holders
- Multiple police checkpoints
- A recommendation that fans arrive at least two hours before tip-off
The NYPD canceled the outdoor watch party scheduled for the plaza outside Madison Square Garden. The watch party was moved to Bryant Park, several blocks from the arena. Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool stated that the decision was made jointly by the Secret Service and NYPD due to security requirements.
According to law enforcement sources, the heightened security followed three prior incidents involving Trump's security, including two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign and an alleged attempt during the 2025 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Trump's motorcade traveled from a landing site near Wall Street to the arena approximately one hour before tip-off.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Game 3 fluctuated after Trump confirmed his attendance. According to TickPick, the cheapest available ticket was approximately $8,000 on Thursday and dropped to an average of $4,749-$5,341 across various resale platforms on game day, down from nearly $10,000 on Friday.
"That's the way life goes."
— President Donald Trump, when asked about high ticket prices, suggesting fans watch on television
Public Reactions
Some fans attending the game expressed frustration with the additional security measures and altered atmosphere. Outside the arena, protesters displayed signs reading "Trump must go" and "Nobody wants you here."
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said of the presidential visit: "Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play (no matter) who's here and who's not."
Post-Game Watch Party Incidents
Following the Knicks' loss, a watch party at Bryant Park resulted in 21 arrests for disorderly conduct. According to NYPD officials, attendees moved onto neighboring streets, leading to fights and property damage.
Crowds on 42nd Street surrounded vehicles, jumped on cars, and struck windshields with objects. Some individuals threw beer bottles at police officers. A bus sign was knocked down and used as a weapon. One person set fire to a San Antonio Spurs t-shirt.
Eight individuals were charged with offenses including assault on a police officer, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration. Thirteen others received criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct.
NYPD officials plan to implement heightened security for Game 4, including closing major streets around Madison Square Garden.
Public Dispute
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Trump's attendance prior to the game, calling it "selfish" and "narcissistic." After the game, Trump responded by questioning Smith's intelligence. Smith subsequently challenged Trump to a debate and advised him not to attend Game 4.
Future Attendance
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Trump will not attend Game 4 on Wednesday due to scheduling conflicts and obligations. Trump had previously indicated he might attend multiple games.