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"It's a little left-wing" - Donald Trump weighs in on the NBA's political reputation
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- "It's a little left-wing" - Donald Trump weighs in on the NBA's political reputation
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Game 3 of the NBA Finals, aside from the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks , was Donald Trump 's attendance, which made history, making him the first seated US President to attend an NBA Finals game.
The 79-year-old appeared to have a clear understanding of the league, which has often been labeled as politically left-leaning and avoided him in White House.
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Following Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, Trump acknowledged that perception but still described the NBA as "great entertainment."
"It's a little left-wing. I think so, tends to be a little left wing," Trump said after attending Game 3. "But it's great entertainment."
Trump received a mixed reception
Despite sky-high ticket prices and the arena sold out, getting into MSG was far more challenging than ever due to heightened security surrounding the President's visit.
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Law enforcement agencies established a larger security perimeter around Madison Square Garden hours before fans even began arriving. Roads were restricted, multiple checkpoints were set up, watch parties outside the venue were abandoned, and ticket holders had to undergo extensive screening procedures, even when they were asked to arrive at least two hours before the tip-off.
Some of that frustration seemed to spill over when Trump appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem. As the camera focused on him saluting, a noticeable portion of the crowd responded with loud boos .
"I thought it was very good. It was certainly amazing," Trump said in response to the alleged boos than turned up when he was shown on the screen. "I think mostly cheers. It was loud. And it was very enthusiastic."
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However, that wasn't the only reaction he received. There were also groups of fans chanting "USA" in support of Trump as he watched the game from (MSG owner) James Dolan's suite along with his granddaughter.
Silver wants sports to unite everyone
That being said, while the crowd remained divided in its response, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wholeheartedly welcomed Trump's appearance.
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More than anything, Silver expressed appreciation that the President chose to attend the NBA Finals and emphasized his belief that basketball should serve as a unifying force that brings people together regardless of their political differences.
"He's welcome to be here. What makes sports so special, especially when there's so much that divides people, is that it's something that we have in common. We should look for those things we have in common and build off that," Silver said. "He's a genuine Knicks fan."
Although veteran analysts and die-hard Knicks fans like Stephen A. Smith may have already started blaming Trump as the Knicks saw their historic 13-game winning streak come to an end at home on Monday night, it remains to be seen if the POTUS decides to make another appearance, this time for Game 4.
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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.
