Donald Trump; Karl-Anthony Towns
Donald Trump in Wisconsin on June 5, 2026; New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns on Jan. 14, 2026.
Donald Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8
Trump's planned attendance comes after he was invited by Knicks owner James Dolan
Both Spurs star De'Aaron Fox and Knicks icon Karl-Anthony Towns spoke out about Trump's planned attendance
Stars from the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs shared their thoughts about playing in front of President Donald Trump.
Trump, 79, will be in attendance at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8.
The president said he was invited by Knicks owner James Dolan during a press conference on Thursday, June 4. "The answer is yes, he’s invited me, I’m going,” Trump said, adding that he might also attend Game 4.
Before the game, Spurs star De'Aaron Fox commented on the heightened security at Madison Square Garden.
"I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else," he said, according to San Antonio Express-News reporter Tom Orsborn. "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.”
Meanwhile, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns sidestepped a reporter's question about his thoughts regarding Trump's appearance.
"Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball played here, at Madison Square Garden," Towns said. "For it to be a long time to see Finals basketball, it's up to us to bring it, give 'em something to get loud about, give them something to cheer for, and also give them something to believe in."
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 11, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 11, 2025
Knicks star OG Anunoby did not think Trump's attendance at the game would impact the team's performance.
"I think he’ll just be there watching the game," Anunoby said. "We’re going to go as usual, just play our game, try to win the game.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters that he was "thrilled" Trump would attend the game. "We can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart. We’re seeing that in New York and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team,” Silver said, according to The Guardian.
Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field withPEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!
The commissioner noted that Trump "was a big Knicks fan" before he transitioned into politics: "I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden," Silver said.
“I think the fans are very understanding of that. I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event," the commissioner added, per the outlet.