Trump’s attendance at Knicks-Spurs Game 3 triggers increased security
Massive security preparations are underway for NBA Finals Game 3 in New York City due to Donald Trump’s planned attendance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a “frozen zone” around Madison Square Garden, leading to warnings from 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 increased security and anticipation of President Donald Trump’s participation in 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 being at MSG 40 minutes before tip-off, was “inconvenient for everyone else.” But his head coach, Mitch Johnson, had a conflicting opinion on the situation.
“No, I haven’t felt any discomfort or — we have a big game tonight,” Johnson answered during a pregame press conference, “and trying to continue to find a way to play closer to our standard and our identity than we had in the first two games.
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San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson watches from the sidelines during the first half of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich., March 25, 2025. (David Reginek-Imagn photos)
“There’s a lot going on and I’d much rather be a part of it than not.”
The enhanced security protocols, which included the Secret Service, TSA and more joining the NYPD, shook up Midtown Manhattan around MSG on Monday. A security wall was placed around the arena, while those fans who were lucky enough to grab tickets have been seen moving in slow masses due to the extra security checkpoints.
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Fox spoke at the Spurs’ shootaround on Monday, where he was admittedly annoyed that his usual routine was being changed.
“Obviously we’ve got more security. We like to send things early. I think our buses are a little earlier.”
Fox also noted he was “screened like it was the TSA”, with pictures emerging on social media of Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama being screened by security before entering “The Garden”.
“It’s a bit inconvenient for the people who have to play, but it is what it is,” Fox added.
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox yells at 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 address how his own commute was at home after winning the first two games of this best-of-seven series on the road.
“A lot of people write to 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.
“When I got here, I stayed downtown because we practiced here. So I stayed downtown at the team hotel. I’ve never done that at a game before. But it’s easier because we practice here, and so staying downtown and coming from our hotel here was a shorter drive or a shorter commute than what I’m used to coming from Westchester County.”
Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden prior to 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 several sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
