Donald Trump’s likely presence in Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, this Monday (8), in New York, is expected to transform the routine of fans around Madison Square Garden. The information comes from NBC News, ESPN, AP and USA Today.
The visit has a symbolic component for the president of the United States. According to the AP, Trump is a Knicks fan and was, for years, a recurring presence in the front row at the team’s games at Madison Square Garden, before definitively entering politics.
Now, he must return to the arena as president, on a decisive night for the New York franchise — and with a strong security system around the gym.
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According to NBC News and ESPN, the traditional party to watch the game outside the arena was canceled amid security measures related to the presidential visit. The New York Police Department said the decision was made in coordination with the United States Secret Service.
There is, however, disagreement about the direct relationship between the cancellation and Trump’s presence. ESPN cited a statement from Madison Square Garden that permission for the event at Plaza33 was denied by the city’s licensing department, in consultation with the NYPD. The text also stated that the White House would confirm that the decision was not related to the president. USA Today also noted this caveat.
The game marks the Knicks’ return to Madison Square Garden in an NBA Finals after decades of waiting. The team arrives at the game with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Spurs, amid a positive sequence that has rekindled the enthusiasm of the New York fans.
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Trump e os Knicks
Trump’s trip to the game draws attention to the president’s history with the Knicks. According to the AP, he attended team matches in the 1990s and 2000s, a period when the so-called “Celebrity Row” at Madison Square Garden brought together businesspeople, artists and personalities from New York.
“I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last week, according to the AP.
The same report quotes NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who reinforced Trump’s long-standing connection with the team. “Before he even ran for office, he was a huge Knicks fan,” Silver said, according to the AP.
NBC News also recorded that Trump said he was invited to watch Knicks home games after the team qualified for the finals. “The Knicks have really suffered a lot over the years,” the president said, according to the network.
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Party outside Madison Square Garden canceled
According to NBC News, Knicks fans will be able to watch the game in other parts of the city, but not in the vicinity of Madison Square Garden. Police said alternative viewing events were being determined.
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ESPN also reported that there will be no party to watch Game 3 outside the arena. The measure, according to the NYPD, is only valid for this Monday’s match, leaving open the possibility of resuming external exhibitions in Game 4, scheduled for Wednesday.
The presence of large crowds around Madison Square Garden had already been a cause for concern for authorities. According to ESPN, more than two dozen people were arrested on Friday after celebrations in the streets near the arena following the Knicks’ victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.
Before the finals, according to ESPN, the city decided to cancel external parties due to episodes of disorder in unofficial gatherings, but later reversed itself and granted authorization for an earlier exhibition.
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Knicks reinforce guidance for fans
In addition to canceling the outdoor party, the Knicks announced additional measures for anyone attending the game inside Madison Square Garden.
According to NBC News and AP, fans were advised to arrive at least two hours in advance. Entry to the arena will have a reinforced search, similar to the procedures adopted at airports, and a strict policy restricting bags and personal belongings.
Fans were also instructed to consult the Secret Service’s list of prohibited items before traveling to the game.
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USA Today initially noted that there were contradictory reports about the cancellation of outdoor parties. In a later update, however, it was reported that the Game 3 party had in fact been cancelled, although a spokesperson stated that the decision was not directly related to Trump’s presence.
Players try to minimize impact
On the court, Knicks players tried to reduce the burden of the presidential presence.
According to NBC News, Karl-Anthony Towns avoided directly commenting on Trump’s appearance at the game and preferred to highlight the moment among the fans. The player stated that “hope” has returned to the city, but that success still needs to be achieved.
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OG Anunoby also downplayed the matter. According to NBC News, he said that Trump will be in the gym “just watching” and that the team needs to stay focused on “playing our game” and trying to win the match.
Game 3 carries special weight for the Knicks. The team had not reached the NBA Finals since 1999, precisely when they faced the San Antonio Spurs. On that occasion, Spurs won the series and took the title.
Now, the scenario is different. The Knicks return home with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and are trying to get closer to a title they haven’t won since 1973.
The campaign also mobilizes New York. According to NBC News and AP, the team arrives fueled by a string of victories in the playoffs and the protagonism of Jalen Brunson, in a race that rekindled the city’s relationship with the franchise.
