As President Donald Trump prepares to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, security officials are taking extra measures around the arena.
A sitting president has never attended an NBA Finals game, in part because of the extensive security requirements involved. Trump's decision to accept an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan has created additional logistical challenges for everyone involved, including the players.
During the Spurs' shootaround Monday afternoon, guard De'Aaron Fox addressed the added security measures surrounding the team's trip to Madison Square Garden. Everyone involved, including players, has had to navigate tighter security protocols than usual.
Here's what Fox said about the situation.
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De'Aaron Fox questions Donald Trump's NBA Finals presence
Ahead of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, Fox discussed how Trump's decision to attend the game is making life difficult for anyone else involved.
"I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else," Fox said. "We got more security, our buses where a little early...we're getting screened like it's TSA. It's a little inconvenient for the people that's got to play, but it is what it is."
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox talked about all the extra security measures the team has to go through with President Donald Trump attending tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. pic.twitter.com/HtRRGnn4uy
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 8, 2026
To make sure the area is safe for a sitting president, everyone entering the arena is being subjected to high-level, TSA-like screening before entering Madison Square Garden. While the players are focused on an important game, they must go through a pre-game process that they never undergo in any other game during the year.
MORE: Live updates on Donald Trump's attendance at Game 3
What have other players said about Donald Trump attending the NBA Finals?
For the most part, players have declined to discuss Trump attending Game 3 in New York. On Sunday, Knicks forward OG Anunoby downplayed the impact Trump attending would have on the team.
"He'll just be there watching the game," he said. "We're going to go as usual, play our game, try to win the game."
OG Anunoby is asked about President Donald Trump attending Game 3 at MSG:
"He'll just be there watching the game. We're going to go as usual, play our game. Try to win the game." pic.twitter.com/nJvdG1VWxo
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 7, 2026
Karl-Anthony Towns, meanwhile, completely dodged a question about Trump and instead focused on the Knicks fanbase getting to see a home NBA Finals game for the first time in 27 years.
Karl-Anthony Towns is asked about President Donald Trump attending Game 3 at MSG
His answer is about bringing the energy for Knicks fans: "Hope has been brought back to the city. But the word success hasn't been seen. We have to fight to bring that word back to fruition." pic.twitter.com/bpKWogI7wo
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 7, 2026
MORE: Donald Trump addresses sky-high NBA Finals ticket prices
What security measures has Madison Square garden added for the Donald Trump?
To prepare for the sitting president attending Game 3, Madison Square Garden, the secret service and the NYPD are all taking extreme security measures. The NYPD is blocking off the surrounding area from cars and pedestrians that aren't attending tonight's game.
Starting at 4pm today, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue.
No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside…
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 8, 2026
Security also put a cage around the arena to better organize the increased level of security.
This is the scene outside of MSG at 11am. Place is in a cage extending 60ft from the arena.
People inside already taking photos for standing 80ft away pic.twitter.com/maqCGJQyn1
— GFed (@GfedGoCrazy) June 8, 2026
Over the weekend, the Knicks asked fans attending to get to the arena at least two hours in advance to allow for more time on line dealing with security.
pic.twitter.com/koubqUbpIy
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 6, 2026
Additionally, basketball media covering the game are not able to speak with players ahead of time like they normally would.
Knicks media members typically credentialed for pregame locker room access will NOT be able to interview players ahead of NBA Finals Game 3: https://t.co/iUWAHvPugx
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) June 8, 2026