Two videos from Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals highlight differing narratives about the fan base present for the game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. President Donald Trump, a dedicated Knicks fan, faced criticism prior to the game for allegedly politicizing the event and complicating logistics for attendees due to heightened security measures.
Before the game, fans expressed that Trump was unwelcome. Some narratives depict the arena filled with anti-Trump sentiment, while others frame it as a gathering of patriotic Americans, depending on the source of information. During the national anthem, Trump, visible from a private suite on the screen, was booed by some attendees. His presence in a glass-encased suite was a security measure due to multiple assassination attempts.
This video circulated widely among media outlets and critics on social platforms, portraying Trump as unwelcome. Link to a social media post
Conversely, another video captured chants of “USA!” resonating in the arena. These chants, often associated with Trump’s rallies, were highlighted by Fox News and the president’s supporters as indicative of widespread patriotism and support for Trump. Link to a related post, another post, a third post, and one more post. These chants reportedly occurred just before the anthem.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver defended Trump’s attendance, noting his long-standing support as a Knicks fan. Silver urged that sports unite the nation and called attention to shared interests over differences. His defense followed Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ skepticism about Trump’s attendance, who suggested Trump should focus on improving American lives and criticized the state of the economy under his leadership.
“I’m not sure it’s going to be a good reception for him,” Jeffries told CNN. “But why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing, like literally the Knicks haven’t been in the Finals for 27 years. The city is trying to celebrate. We’re trying to embrace this and this guy has to inject himself.”
Fans were advised to arrive hours early due to additional security, creating long lines and restricted access around the Garden. This inconvenience, coupled with the cancellation of nearby watch parties, frustrated attendees. Joanne Cadden, a Bronx Knicks fan, criticized Trump’s timing, suggesting the night belonged to the fans. Ticket prices exceeding $10,000 also agitated fans. When asked about the cost, Trump suggested people watch from home if unable to afford tickets, stating, “That’s the way life goes.”