The NBA Finals are back at Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1999, but the return comes with a political storm. Former President Donald Trump has announced he will attend Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs-a move that has some fans up in arms.
"THATS NOT THE COLOR ORANGE WE WANT TO SEE AT THE GARDEN!" one user wrote on the Knicks' Instagram, referring to Trump's signature tan. Others joked he should "come to game 8"-a nod to the seven-game series.
Security is being significantly tightened. The Knicks have instituted a strict no-bag policy and TSA-style screening for Monday's game. Fans are urged to arrive at least two hours early. The Secret Service is coordinating with MSG to ensure safety.
If Trump attends, he will be the first sitting U.S. president to appear at an NBA Finals game, and the first to attend any NBA game since Barack Obama sat courtside in 2015.
A planned watch party outside the Garden has also been canceled after a similar event during Game 2 led to a dozen arrests.
Other expected attendees include New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, regular courtside celebrities like Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner. Lee, a Hall of Fame superfan, has been a Knicks fixture since 1985.