President Donald Trump made history on Monday night by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
He was on hand at Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
A post shared by Fox News on X captured the moment when Trump, joined by family members and cabinet officials, appeared on the arena’s Jumbotron during the national anthem. Standing with his hand over his heart, Trump was flanked by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, his granddaughter Kai Trump, and Jared Kushner.
On the court, the Spurs edged out the Knicks 115-111 in a tightly contested matchup, ending New York’s 13-game playoff winning streak and cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. Victor Wembanyama led the way for San Antonio with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals. Stephon Castle contributed 23 points off the bench, while Jalen Brunson starred for the Knicks, though turnovers and a late San Antonio surge proved decisive.
Trump’s presence was the focal point of pre-game discussion and prompted heightened security measures, including street closures, bag bans, and early fan arrivals. These precautions led to the cancellation of outdoor watch parties around Madison Square Garden.
The game drew a star-studded audience, with celebrities such as Jay-Z, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, Fat Joe, and Carmelo Anthony in attendance.
Reactions to Trump’s attendance on social media were immediate and sharply divided, with many noting the historic significance. One user, #the_uglypatriot, wrote, “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 highlighted the crowd’s mixed response. #ESATEZZA commented, 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.
Meanwhile, #veggiet observed, I think he may have just made history for the loudest boos ever directed at a president at a sporting event.
Trump’s visit underscored the deep divisions in American public life, even during a major sporting event. For Knicks fans, long deprived of NBA Finals action at home, Game 3 delivered drama both on and off the court.
