President Trump receives boos from fans at Madison Square Garden during NBA Finals game

President Donald Trump appeared on the video screen at Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. The brief eight-second clip showed him saluting while the national anthem played, and the audience responded with boos that turned to cheers when the Knicks players were displayed.

Trump attended as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan and watched the game from the owner’s box, accompanied by Dolan, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his granddaughter Kai. Secret Service agents secured the adjacent suites, and the Knicks lost the game 115-111.

Security measures around the arena were heightened, including a 10-foot perimeter fence, metal-detector checks and a “frozen zone” established by the NYPD that limited access to nearby streets. The restrictions led to the cancellation of an outdoor watch party that had been held for earlier playoff games, though other public viewing events were scheduled to continue.

"He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans," said Joanne Cadden, a longtime Knicks supporter, referring to the security presence.

"It changed everything. Should he be here? I don’t think he should, but he’s coming," said Rich Becker, another fan, noting the impact of the president’s attendance on the atmosphere.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and several celebrities, including Spike Lee and Jon Stewart, were also present at the game. Trump’s appearance marked the first time a sitting U.S. president attended an NBA Finals game.