yahoo - 6/9/2026 2:52:39 AM - GMT (+2 )
NEW YORK — United States President Donald Trump is at Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, just as he promised.
Trump officially became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday, June 8.
After a few chants of "USA, USA, USA" for the flag, Trump was booed loudly when he was shown on the large video screens during the national anthem. The president was saluting and smiled slightly as the boos grew. Once the feed showed Knicks players, the cheering returned.
Trump was in a suite, protected by thick glass on three sides, though open on top. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump's granddaughter Kai were sighted in the suite with Trump, according to the White House pool report.
Trumps' large motorcade rolled up to the Garden at 7:28 p.m. with intense security locking down most of midtown for his arrival. His route to the game took him down the FDR and he was greeted by signs that included "Nobody wants you here." and "Trump Must Go," according to the pool report.
Trump previously said he was considering attending the first NBA Finals game hosted by New York since 1999 at the invitation of Knicks owner James Dolan.
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"Before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of Trump, according to multiple reports. "I’ve been with the league for a long time. I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden, and he actually appeared in one of our 'I love this Game' spots when I was running NBA Entertainment years ago."
Silver noted there would be extra security precautions due to Trump's expected attendance at Monday's game. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also planned to attend Game 3, though NBC 4 in New York reported Mamdani purchased his own ticket.
Trump told reporters on Thursday, June 4 that he watched the beginning and end of NBA Finals Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs and marveled at 7-foot-4 San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks are attempting to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
"Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump said. "He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing."
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Trump has frequented major sporting events during his second term as president, with appearances at the Super Bowl, college football national championship game, Ryder Cup, Daytona 500 and numerous UFC events. Last year, he also attended the U.S. Open men's tennis final in New York.
Trump most recently went to PGA Tour and LIV Golf events held on golf courses he owns in May.
Trump indicated last week he is also considering attending Game 4 of the NBA Finals scheduled for Wednesday night in New York.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump NBA Finals Game 3: Knicks fans, Madison Square Garden reaction
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