The NBA Finals are heading back to the Big Apple, but the basketball action isn’t the only circus taking over Manhattan. Ahead of Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, standard media protocols completely went out the window.
Longtime Knicks writer and NBA columnist Steve Popper revealed on social media that the New York Police Department has implemented unprecedented, stringent security arrangements at the arena.
The reason? Donald Trump is attending the game, making him the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals matchup.
The high-profile political visit immediately impacted the typical pregame routine. When asked online if locker room access was being shut down to clear a path for Trump’s arrival, Popper confirmed the rumor.
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“Yes,” Popper posted. “First time all season no pregame locker room access for media.”
For the Knicks, the sudden media blackout serves as an unexpected twist as they return home holding a commanding 2-0 series lead. New York completely stole home-court advantage in Texas, squeaking out a thrilling 105-104 victory in Game 2. Big man Karl-Anthony Towns anchored that narrow win, dominating the paint with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges stepped up with a crucial 20 points.
On the other side, the Spurs are desperate to get back into the series. Sophomore phenom Victor Wembanyama has been doing everything he can, coming off a spectacular Game 2 performance where he poured in 29 points and rejected four shots.
While the players focus on the massive matchup on the court, the media will have to navigate a heavily locked-down arena. With championship stakes and historic presidential security colliding under the Garden lights, Game 3 is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle.
The NBA Finals are heading back to the Big Apple, but the basketball action isn’t the only circus taking over Manhattan. Ahead of Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, standard media protocols completely went out the window.