Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals is scheduled to tip off shortly after 8 p.m. E.T. on Monday night. But will it tip off on time?
The New York Knicks will welcome President Trump, 79, to Madison Square Garden on Monday evening. The Knicks, leading the Spurs 2-0, are two wins away from their first championship since 1973.
New York has already announced serious security plans.
"As we move closer to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, Madison Square Garden and the United States Secret Service want to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ticket holders by sharing important security procedures that will be in place," the team announced.
"A strict no-bag policy will be in effect, and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum. Fans should expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA-style screening procedures. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow additional time for screening and entry. Fans are encouraged to review the complete list of prohibited items before arriving at https://www.secretservice.gov/prohibiteditems. There will be no storage available for prohibited items brought to the venue."
Sep 8, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Donald Trump on day nine of the 2015 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
But will the game tip off on time?
It seems unlikely.
President Trump's arrival is likely to cause tipoff issues
President Trump's arrival is likely to cause tipoff time issues. He attended the U.S. Open in Queens and the final match was delayed as a result.
Darren Rovell will be stunned if the game tips off on time.
"Trump attending US Open Final resulted in the match starting 30 minutes late and much of the crowd still not in their seats at the start. I have no idea how Game 3 will start on time especially with the non ticketed crowd hanging around the Garden steps," he shared.
Other fans agree.
"I wonder how far back they will push the crowd? How many streets will they have to close? MSG is not like most stadiums and arenas in the country… it's on a city street over a train station! What about the people who take the train at Penn Station to commute back home from work??" one fan added.
"That will help ABC's ratings/profits as it will stretch out the telecast window for more commercials," one fan added.
"Opening up the Garden mad early isn't a bad idea," one fan added.
Tipoff will be interesting, that's for sure.
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