President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday night, as he watched the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
In a post shared on X by Fox News on Tuesday, the post captured the moment Trump, accompanied by family and cabinet members, appeared on the arena’s Jumbotron during the national anthem showed the president standing with his hand over his heart alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, his granddaughter Kai Trump, and Jared Kushner.
The Spurs defeated the Knicks 115-111 in a thrilling contest, snapping New York’s 13-game playoff winning streak and trimming the series lead to 2-1. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals, while Stephon Castle added 23 points off the bench.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson put up strong numbers, but turnovers and a late Spurs surge proved decisive.
Trump’s presence dominated pre-game buzz and security arrangements. Enhanced measures, including street closures, bag bans, and early arrivals for fans, were implemented around MSG, leading to the cancellation of outdoor watch parties.
The star-studded crowd included Jay-Z, Megan The Stallion, Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, Fat Joe, Carmelo Anthony, and others who came to watch the game.
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Social media reactions to Trump’s attendance were swift and polarized. Many users highlighted the historic nature of the visit.
One commenter #the_uglypatriot noted, “TRUMP SHOWS UP at the Garden for Knicks Game 3 — first sitting president ever at an NBA Finals. Supporters go crazy. The president doesn’t flinch. Real leader. Real American. This is what winning looks like. MAGA.
Others focused on the crowd’s response. #ESATEZZA reacted saying, “First sitting president at an NBA Finals game and it’s at the Garden during Knicks-Spurs. Historic on paper, but the optics are MESSY, home crowd in NY booing loud enough that the broadcast picked it up. Finals game.
While #veggiet said, “I think he may have just made history for the loudest boos ever directed at a president at a sporting event.
The event underscored the deep divisions in American public life, even at a major sporting spectacle. Knicks fans, long deprived of Finals action in their home arena, experienced a night filled with high drama both on and off the court.
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