Game 3 of the NBA Finals tipped off on Monday night in basketball’s Mecca, Madison Square Garden. In the days leading up to the game, although all of the coverage leading up to the game should’ve been on the product on the court, much of the noise and media focus revolved around the high ticket prices and the attendance of United States President Donald Trump.
Trump’s presence led to increased security measures at the game, for both fans and players, and San Antonio Spurs shooting guard De’Aaron Fox admitted how much of an inconvenience the President was causing even the players.
“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else… We’re getting screened like it’s TSA,” Fox said. “It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”
When play actually started, the focus rightfully turned back to the players competing on the floor, but not before Trump was found himself being booed during the national anthem.
Trump, shown on camera during the national anthem, is booed loudly at MSG pic.twitter.com/NkWE4xsE2Z
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 9, 2026
It had to be an embarassing moment for the president, but he can rest assured that at least one person in attendance was happy with his presence in the arena.
“He’s welcome to be here. What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is it’s something that we have in common,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said before the game.
Trump said on Thursday that there was a possibility he would attend Game 4 as well, but his attendance has yet to be confirmed or denied.