Some individuals often find a way to attach blame to President Donald Trump for various events, including the New York Knicks losing an NBA Finals game.
Following the Knicks’ 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3, rapper Cardi B proposed an interesting theory. She suggested that Trump’s attendance at Madison Square Garden might have brought negative energy into the venue.
Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. His presence coincided with the Spurs ending the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning streak, reducing New York’s series lead to 2-1. After the game, Cardi B shared her thoughts on Instagram Live. When a fan asked if Trump was “bad luck” for the Knicks, she responded humorously. “It probably was. But it is what it is,” Cardi said. “You can’t stop the president from going to a game. But it did feel a little dark in there.”
Cardi B, who performed during halftime, compared the atmosphere in the arena to the uncomfortable feeling when a school principal unexpectedly enters a classroom. “It felt like the principal was there and everybody had to be on their best behavior,” she explained.
The president’s visit brought increased security measures around the arena, including road closures and a greater Secret Service presence. Cardi B acknowledged the necessity of these precautions and observed the presidential security firsthand.
Attributing the Knicks’ fourth-quarter shooting slump to Trump might be a reach. New York managed only 2-for-12 from three-point range in the final moments. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points to lead San Antonio’s victory. Unless Trump had a hidden role with the Spurs or placed a hex on the Knicks’ shooters, they likely need other reasons for their loss.
Prior to the game, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith joked that if the Knicks lost, Trump would be at fault. This led Trump to later question Smith’s potential presidential aspirations by challenging his intelligence.
The Knicks have another opportunity to turn things around, with Game 4 set for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Should they lose again, some might continue to jokingly assign blame to Trump.
Amber Harding is a writer for OutKick.