New York - President Donald Trump was met with boos from frustrated ticketholders as he arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. The President, the first sitting U.S. leader to attend the finals, caused a security lockdown that left thousands waiting in lines stretching two blocks, with more than half the arena empty an hour before tipoff.
“I wish he wasn’t here. He’s not a real fan,” said Errol Ismail, a Brooklyn fitness company owner. “We’ve waited a lifetime for this, and he’s made it about himself.”
The heavy police presence, including metal fencing and airport-style screening, slowed entry for fans who had paid thousands for tickets. The New York Police Department restricted pedestrian access around the arena for hours before the 8:30 p.m. tipoff.
Trump, who spent the afternoon at his New Jersey golf club, arrived via Marine One and motorcade. He attended as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended, having bought his own ticket for nearly $1,000.
The Knicks entered the game with a 2-0 series lead, their first finals home game in 27 years.