While President Donald Trump was booed during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Avery Wilson was celebrated for his stellar performance of the national anthem.
The singer, who sprang into the spotlight after competing on season 3 of The Voice, performed the national anthem for Game 3 of the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals. While Wilson was applauded for his extraordinary vocals, Trump was booed when broadcast cameras turned to face his VIP box during the game. However, in a conversation with TMZ, Wilson was unfazed by the public's reaction to Trump and focused on the love he received for his rendition of the national anthem. The crowd loved it so much that he has been asked back to Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of the NBA Finals to perform the national anthem again.
Knicks fans won't have to worry about Trump popping up at MSG on Wednesday, June 10 as the president shared he will not be returning for Game 4.
“President Donald Trump is not expected to attend Game 4 of Knicks-Spurs in the NBA Finals on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden due to scheduling conflicts and obligations sources tell ESPN. Trump, a lifelong Knicks fan, watched the majority of Game 3 from a suite,” ESPN's Shams Charania wrote on X.
Being booed at MSG was not the only moment that went viral from Trump's appearance during Game 3, he also caught national attention when he was seen sleeping in the VIP suite. Stephen A. Smith reacted to Trump seemingly falling asleep during the game, “Guess what he was doing during the game ladies and gentlemen? Go online, look at the videos. I’m not gonna accuse of him of snoring because I wasn’t an earshot, but the brother wasn’t awake.”
Smith then brought up the nickname Trump called Former President Joe Biden during the presidential run in 2024.
“The brother wasn't awake. If it was that important for you to be there, why did you look like you were asleep?” Smith asked. “Didn't you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe'? Well, what should we call you?”
President Trump is asleep at Game 3. pic.twitter.com/eginy85D5Q
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 9, 2026
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Trump responded to Smith criticizing his appearance at the game which the veteran sports analyst said was “selfish” and“narcissistic” prior to his arrival. Trump then fired back and questioned Smith's IQ.
“[Stephen A. Smith] said he would blame you if the Knicks lost tonight. How do you respond?”
“He's a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president,” Trump said. “You need a high IQ, I'm not sure he has that. I don't think he does.”
Whether fans believe Trump was the reason the Knicks ended their 13-game winning streak after the Spurs took the Game 3 win, the New York team will now have to at least make it to Game 5 if they are going to bring the championship back to the city after 53 years.
Game 4 will be in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday at 8:30 pm ET.
While President Donald Trump was booed during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Avery Wilson was celebrated for his stellar performance of the national anthem. The singer, who sprang into the spotlight after competing on season 3 of The Voice, performed the national anthem for Game 3 of the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals.