San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox he was among those who criticized President Donald TrumpThe decision to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8, points to the headaches the president’s visit has caused for players and fans alike.
“I think having the president here makes it difficult for everybody,” Fox, 28, told reporters before the game. “We’ve got, obviously, more security. We’ve got to, like, send things in earlier. I think our buses are a little bit ahead.”
He added, “We’re being checked like it’s the TSA. It’s a little disturbing for people who have to play, but it is what it is.”
Without further ado, Madison Square Garden was packed Monday night as the Spurs returned to the series, defeating the New York Knicks, 115-111, to move to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
MSG showed Trump, 79, on the jumbotron during the national anthem, which was also featured on ABC television. Although he appeared to be getting mad on the radio and in many videos shared on social media later, Trump insisted that the crowd received him well.
“I think, it was a lot of fun,” he told reporters before boarding Air Force One after the game. “It was loud and very energetic.”
De’aaron Fox
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIn addition to added security, Trump’s presence at MSG also prevented Knicks fans from congregating outside the stadium for a watch party, which they have been doing all season. In response, the mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani announced Monday that 5,000 Knicks fans were welcome to watch at Bryant Park, while thousands more flocked to Central Park.
Kai Trump (L), US President Donald Trump (C) and Knicks owner James Dolan stand during the National Anthem as they attend Game Three of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8, 2026.
SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images“Of all the selfish, manipulative things Trump has done, going to MSG to see the Knicks play in person on Monday night is the worst,” conservative pundit. Ann Coulter wrote on X on Sunday, June 7. “The 20,000 attendees will be VERY disturbed with all the extra security, the Knicks Watch Party at the Garden Is canceled, thousands of law enforcement officers (paid for by taxpayers), traffic will be a disaster – all so he can sit at the Garden instead of watching the game on TV.”
New York Knicks player Jose Alvarado nearly knocked out former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg during Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals. The 28-year-old Knicks guard collided with the 84-year-old politician in a scary moment in the fourth quarter of the all-important game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday, June. […]
But not everyone is against Trump’s presence. NBA commissioner Adam Silver he pointed to this period as an example of sports bringing together people from different walks of life.
“I found out because Jim Dolan invited him to the game and he said yes,” explained Silver, 64, during ESPN. Inside the NBA pre-game show. “You’re welcome to be here. I think what makes sports so important, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is what we have in common. We have to look at those things we have in common and build on that.”
He’s a comedian Whoopi Goldbergwho has clashed with Trump several times in the past, defended him again on Monday’s episode Watching.
“I think anyone who is a Knicks fan should be there,” he said. “You’ve earned the right as a Knicks fan. I don’t have to like you.”
