Knicks host Game 3 of 2026 NBA Finals, first home game while leading since 1973
The New York Knicks played Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first team to host a Finals game while ahead in the series since 1973, with notable celebrity attendance including President Donald Trump.
The New York Knicks opened Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, taking a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. According to league research, this marks the first time the Knicks have hosted a Finals game while leading the series since their 1973 championship, and only the third such instance in franchise history, the previous ones occurring in 1970 and 1973 when New York also captured the title.
Security was heightened as President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. The arena was filled with a range of celebrities, including filmmaker Spike Lee, former players Shaquille O'Neal and Patrick Ewing, and actor Ben Stiller, who were seen mingling with fans and players before tip-off.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama arrived in an all-denim outfit accessorized with a red Louis Vuitton duffel bag, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson wore a matching Louis Vuitton ensemble and a beanie. Both teams' locker rooms displayed a variety of designer apparel, reflecting the high-profile nature of the event.