Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals is set for Monday night.
The Knicks are leading the Spurs, 2-0, heading into Game 3. New York stunned San Antonio with a comeback in Game 1 and held on for a tight win in Game 2. The Knicks are now two wins away from their first NBA championship since 1973.
President Donald J. Trump is expected to attend Game 3 on Monday evening. The President of the United States was raised in New York. His presence will require added security measures to Madison Square Garden.
MSG will be packed. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Pablo Torre Finds Out.
The Knicks typically host watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden during the playoffs. The watch parties have been packed, with hundreds to thousands of fans in attendance.
However, the watch party outside of MSG for Game 3 has been cancelled. The New York Police Department said that the U.S. Secret Service called it off.
"There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4."
Madison Square Garden has a different reason, though
Conflicting reports have emerged, as Madison Square Garden says that the city is to blame, not the White House.
"The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD," Madison Square Garden's statement read. "However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden."
President Trump is expected to attend Game 3 as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan.
Tipoff is set for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. E.T.
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