Overview
- The president attended Game 3 in the Madison Square Garden private loge of Knicks owner James Dolan and was loudly booed when arena cameras showed him during the US national anthem.
- Security measures tied to the visit forced early entry, airport‑style screening, a strict bag ban, road closures and the cancellation of a traditional public watch party.
- New York lost the game 111–115 to the San Antonio Spurs, ending a 13‑game postseason winning streak and cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2–1.
- Trump later described the crowd noise as enthusiastic 'cheers,' while Democratic leaders and many fans blamed his presence and the security disruptions for souring the night.
- The game was New York’s first home Final in 27 years, drew exceptionally high ticket prices and celebrities, and the episode raises the chance that future Finals in the city will see continued heavy security and political attention.