Donald Trump attends NBA Finals Game 3 in historic first for sitting president

Donald Trump becomes the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, arriving at Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs.

Trump arrives at arena Donald Trump reached Madison Square Garden before tipoff for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president attended a basketball league championship game. His Marine One helicopter departed from New Jersey and landed near Wall Street, followed by a motorcade traveling through Manhattan to the arena roughly an hour before the game started. Some attendees outside the venue displayed hostile gestures, while a separate group held signs demanding his departure. Security measures were visibly heightened throughout the area prior to his arrival. ## Massive security operation Hours before Trump’s visit, the New York Police Department and U.S. Secret Service established a wide security perimeter around Madison Square Garden. Fans began lining up more than four hours before tipoff, creating an atmosphere more typical of Times Square on New Year’s Eve than a standard basketball game. To enter, spectators had to present a ticket or pass and pass through magnetometer-style security checkpoints. Law enforcement officers were stationed at every corner in large numbers, causing confusion for daily commuters, tourists, and fans attempting to navigate the restricted zones. ## Coaches dismiss security impact Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson and Knicks head coach Mike Brown both played down any frustration caused by the closures and additional security measures tied to Trump’s presence. Johnson remarked on the unique situation, stating, "There's a lot going on, and I'd much rather be a part of it than not." Both coaches emphasized focusing on the game rather than external factors. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other high-ranking officials were also scheduled to attend the event.