President Trump to attend NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden

President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president will be present at an NBA Finals game. The New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service began setting up barriers and restricting traffic around the arena more than four hours before tipoff, creating a security environment comparable to major public events.

Fans were instructed to arrive two hours early, present a ticket or pass, and pass through magnetometer checkpoints similar to those used at airports. The heightened security led to the cancellation of an outdoor watch party and the implementation of a no-bag policy for ticket-holders. Large crowds gathered outside, and many faced long lines before the doors opened.

"The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.

The Knicks have reached the Finals for the first time since 1999, having won 13 consecutive games in the playoff run. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson described Trump’s attendance as "cool, I guess," while guard Jose Alvarado said the team would continue to play regardless of the president’s presence.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other city officials are also expected to be in attendance. Ticket prices for the game exceed $5,000 for many seats, with the most expensive seats costing tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani purchased a standing-room-only ticket for about $1,000.

Because of the security perimeter, the traditional watch party near the Garden was relocated a few blocks away to Bryant Park, where fans plan to gather and watch the game.