Donald Trump was heavily booed when he appeared on the big screen as he became the first sitting US President to attend the NBA Finals.
Trump attended Madison Square Garden on Monday night to watch the New York Knicks succumb to a Victor Wembanyama-inspired 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Finals, cutting their series lead to 2-1.
Trump's decision to attend the game caused major disruptions to ticket holders as security restrictions were increased and queues to just get into the iconic Garden stretched for more than two blocks.
Trump was not the only politician in attendance, as New York mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended the game.
The US President was in attendance with his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan. He also sat with a number of his cabinet, including transportation secretary Sean Duffy and interior secretary Doug Burgem.
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While the disruptions caused by his appearance will have played a part in the catcalling, Trump has always had a shaky relationship with his hometown of New York, who has notoriously voted Democrat in every election since 1984.
Video: Donald Trump's Reception
Trump's appearance was not the only controversial part of the night, as many fans were priced out of Game 3 of the Finals, with resale tickets being put on sale for up to $100,000 with regular season tickets ranking among the most expensive in the league.
This has been a season to remember for Knicks fans, as this series is the first NBA Finals for them since 1999 after decades of disappointment and poor performances in the regular season. The Knicks have not won a chip since 1973 and while fan watch parties were cancelled due to Trump's appearance, supporters gathered around laptops on the streets around the Garden and celebrated every point won by the hosts.
San Antonio Spurs Cut NBA Finals Deficit in Half
Victor Wembanyama-2Imagn
Celebrations were subdued by the end of the game, however, as Victor Wembanyama put on a first-class performance and scored 32 points, making up for the several errors he made in Game 2. He was supported by Stephon Castle, who picked up 23 points himself and stopped the Spurs going 3-0 down. No team has ever recovered that much of a deficit in the Finals.
While the Spurs were 64-57 down at half-time, an impressive third quarter display of 35 team points turned the fixture on its head.
The series will continue on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden before the teams return to San Antonio on Saturday, which could be a night to remember for Knicks fans if they can win the next two games and pick up their first championship in over 50 years.