Trump’s attendance at the third Knicks-Spurs game activates greater security
Huge security preparations are underway for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City due to Donald Trump’s expected attendance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a “freeze zone” around Madison Square Garden, resulting in warnings for fans and a no-bag policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses these heightened security measures following a recent stabbing at Penn Station.
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The heightened security and anticipation over President Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden did not please at least one of the San Antonio Spurs stars.
De’Aaron Fox said Trump, who became the first sitting president in history to attend an NBA Finals game after entering MSG 40 minutes before kickoff, was “an inconvenience to everyone else.” But their head coach, Mitch Johnson, had a conflicting statement about the situation.
“No, I haven’t felt any inconvenience or we have a great game tonight,” Johnson responded during a pregame press conference, “and we’re trying to continue to find a way to play closer to our standard and our identity than we did in the first two games.
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San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson watches the game from the sidelines against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on March 25, 2025. (David Reginek-Imagn Images)
“There’s a lot going on and I’d rather be a part of it than not.”
Enhanced security protocols, which included the Secret Service, TSA and others joining the NYPD, shook downtown Manhattan around MSG on Monday. A security wall was placed around the arena, while fans lucky enough to get tickets were seen moving in slow masses due to the extra security checks.
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Fox spoke at the Spurs’ shootaround on Monday, where he admitted he was upset about the change from his usual routine.
“Obviously we have more security. We have to send things out early. I think our buses come a little earlier.”
Fox also noted that he was “screened like it was TSA,” and photos emerged on social media of Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama being screened by security staff before entering “The Garden.”
“It’s a little uncomfortable for people who have to play, but it is what it is,” Fox added.
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox calls out to his teammates during the first half of an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in New York on Jan. 27, 2025. (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo)
Knicks head coach Mike Brown did not respond when asked if it was appropriate for the president to attend the game, but he did respond to what his own trip home was like after winning the first two games of this best-of-seven series on the road.
“A lot of people text me all the time about this and that, and for me, my focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is in front of us right now. I feel like our group is like that, too,” he said.
“Coming here, I stayed downtown because we were practicing here. So I stayed at the team hotel. I’ve never done that at a game before. But it’s easier because we’re practicing here, so staying downtown and coming from our hotel to here was a shorter drive or a shorter trip than I’m used to coming from Westchester County.”
Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk along the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since beginning his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
