President Donald Trump will be in attendance for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and Stephen A. Smith is not happy about it.
The problem is that Trump’s attendance will lead to increased security measures both inside and outside of Madison Square Garden, which is creating issues.
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Along with increased congestion in the area around the arena, security checks inside the arena will be more stringent and will likely lead to it taking longer for fans to get to their seats, and there is even a ban on bags.
As if all that wasn’t enough, the increased security at the arena has led to the cancelation of the watch party outside of MSG, something Knicks fans are not happy about.
Stephen A. Smith rips Donald Trump
May 6, 2019; Washington, D.C., USA; President Donald Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods during an event at the White House in the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images
ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith is one of the Knicks fans who are not happy about President Donald Trump attending the game.
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He called Trump “narcissistic and “selfish” and even went as far as to say he would blame the president if the Knicks lose on Monday night.
MORE: Knicks’ plane had scary mishap before leaving San Antonio
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“This president has no business showing up in New York City. I am dead serious. It is selfish. It is narcissistic. It is ridiculous that he is coming to this game,” Smith said.
“I’m blaming the president of the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight,” he added. “There is no reason for any president (to attend the game) because of the congestion and the security measures that have to be invoked in order to ensure his safety.”
NYC adds watch party locations
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks fans celebrate after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
With Trump’s arrival knocking out the MSG watch party, New York City has announced three other locations for New York Knicks fans to watch the game.
Along with Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl, the city has added Bryant Park as another location for Knicks fans to gather.
There is no cost to attend, but a total of 5,000 fans will be allowed in and must register for a spot beforehand.
Knicks vs. Spurs Game 3 start time
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) look for the ball in the second half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs will take place on Monday night, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
However, as we’ve seen over the first two games, Game 3 isn’t likely to start until after 8:40 p.m. ET.
The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead over the Spurs and New York now has an opportunity to close out the series at Madison Square Garden.
The Spurs are facing an uphill climb.
Not only do they have to mount their comeback on the road in front of an electric Madison Square Garden crowd, they also have to overcome NBA history because no team has ever come back from down 0-2 in the NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home.