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Donald Trump says he didn't hear boos at MSG before Knicks-Spurs Game 3: "It was mostly cheers"
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- Donald Trump says he didn't hear boos at MSG before Knicks-Spurs Game 3: "It was mostly cheers"
Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs was a star-studded affair, with numerous A-list celebrities showing their support in an effort to build on a commanding 2-0 lead.
From hip-hop icons Jay-Z and DJ Khaled to comedic personalities Chris Rock and Tina Fey to sports superstars Derek Jeter and Eli Manning to Hollywood celebrities Ben Stiller, Mariska Hargitay, Pete Davidson, Jason Bateman and Spike Lee, the stars were out at Madison Square Garden.
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However, the most controversial figure at the game wasn't seated courtside; he was in a suite alongside Knicks owner James Dolan. That man was United States President Donald Trump .
First sitting president to attend the NBA Finals
Trump is a longtime Knicks fan who used to sit courtside back in the day. As Broadway singer Avery Wilson sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before tip-off, Trump was shown on the screen and promptly showered with a chorus of boos from the crowd.
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However, in an interview on the tarmac after the game, Trump recalled the moment differently, saying he was met with cheers.
"I thought it was very good. It was certainly amazing. I think mostly cheers. It was loud. And it was very enthusiastic," he said .
Threw a monkey wrench into the proceedings
Trump's presence at Game 3 certainly threw a monkey wrench into the NBA Finals. Long before his arrival, strict security measures were put in place, including blocking off areas near MSG. In addition, watch parties around the area were canceled. Fans who attended the game were also subjected to TSA-style pat-downs and checks, which kept fans waiting for far longer than usual.
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Despite the inconveniences, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that Trump was more than welcome to attend Game 3.
"I found out because Jim Dolan invited him to the game, and he said yes. He's welcome to be here," Silver said in an interview on ESPN "Tipoff."
Trump's presence did little to help the Knicks in Game 3 as they fell to the Spurs, 115-111. And with the game finishing late into the night, it sure looked like Trump wasn't up to the action.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
