US President Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos during the national anthem at the NBA Finals in New York's Madison Square Garden on Monday. Fans jeered the Republican leader as he appeared on the arena's video screen from an executive suite.
The NYPD and Secret Service locked down the venue for the visit. Officials barred fans without tickets from entering a several-block perimeter around Madison Square Garden and canceled public watch parties outside the arena-a departure from earlier games in the series.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111, cutting the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.
Security measures included a three-meter fence around parts of the arena, hundreds of NYPD officers, and heavily armed Secret Service agents. Counter-drone technology was also deployed.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump, writing on X: "During one of the best moments NYC has enjoyed in decades, [Trump] makes it all about himself. Trump should LEAVE US ALONE! He's not wanted here."
Ahead of the game, some protesters held signs reading "Trump must go." At least two people raised middle fingers toward his motorcade.
Despite the disruption, some fans appreciated the president's presence. Knicks fan Anthony Pulley, 43, told AFP: "I think it sucks... but it's pretty cool he wants to show up and be a part of it."
Ticket prices for the game were high, but the arena was packed. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he paid nearly $1,000 for his seat.