The New York Knicks haven't lost a playoff game in over a month. They currently own the second-best playoff winning streak in NBA history, at 13 games.
How did they do it? By blocking outside noise.
From the constant scrutiny around Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau as the team's head coach to questions about players' roles and rotation schemes, none of it has impacted their legendary run. However, with the Knicks holding a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals and the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, they might face their biggest test yet.
Donald Trump is expected to become the first sitting U.S. President to attend an NBA Finals game, bringing media attention and norms beyond basketball.
According to Stephen A. Smith , if the Knicks' winning streak does come to an end on Monday night, he already knows who he'll blame, and it's not a player or coaching staff member.
"If they lose tonight? I'm looking right at him. I'm blaming him. I'm blaming the President for the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight. It is selfish," Smith said on First Take. "This is not the place for the President to be coming. He knows it. He just doesn't care."
New York City has been in full celebration mode ever since the team began its historic postseason run. After all, fans believe a 53-year championship drought may finally be coming to an end.
However, Trump's attendance seems to have already altered the atmosphere surrounding the game.
For starters, the New York Police Department announced there will be no outdoor watch party for Game 3 due to enhanced security measures associated with the President's visit. Meanwhile, the Knicks have told their fans to arrive at least two hours before tip-off and bring as little as possible.
The organization has also implemented a no-bag policy and TSA-style screening procedures at MSG.
That is where Smith's frustration comes from. His argument isn't about politics but about the city's rhythm. Knicks fans have waited decades to create such an eccentric atmosphere around the team that opponents can feel their intensity for 48 minutes.
But now with Trump's arrival for the big clash on Monday night, that buzz is being contained.
This is not the first time Smith has voiced his displeasure about Trump's appearance at Game 3. He has repeatedly stated that his reaction would be the same regardless of who the sitting President was .
"It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that's going to be existing at Madison Square Garden," he said on his show . "If it were Barack Obama coming to the Garden, I would say, 'Stay home. Stay at the White House.'"
Of course, all of this becomes irrelevant if the Knicks continue winning. But if their streak comes to an end, Trump might not only face the heat from Smith, but thousands of other basketball fans in New York as well.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
