Fans were quick to joke that President Donald Trump snapped the 13-game winning streak of the New York Knicks after watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
Despite a no-quit effort in the closing minutes, the Knicks fell short against the San Antonio Spurs, 115-111, much to the dismay of the home crowd and everybody else in New York.
Even before the game, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said he would blame Trump, whom he described as “narcissistic” and “selfish,” if the Knicks lose in Game 3, the first time the finals were held in the Big Apple since 1999.
After New York lost, Smith doubled down on Trump in his interview on CNN.
“You should have been ashamed of yourself for disrupting that and showing up to Game 3. I do blame Trump for the loss because, as far as I'm concerned, it disrupted the momentum,” said Smith.
“I'm a New York Knicks fan, everybody knows that, and so is he. So are all of us as New Yorkers, and in the world of sports, you do get a bit superstitious at times. Whatever's working, don't disrupt it.”
Stephen A Smith: I do blame Trump for the loss because as far as I'm concerned, it disrupted the momentum. The New York Knicks won 13 straight playoff games and it got ruined the moment Donald Trump showed up. Damn right I blame him. pic.twitter.com/NzaxkQsISc
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 10, 2026
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Smith stressed that the Knicks were just two games short of tying the league record for the longest winning streak in the playoffs, which was set by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
“It got ruined the moment Donald Trump showed up. Damn right I blame him. I've said it before, and I'm saying it again,” added Smith.
Trump, who was born in Queens, grew his business empire in New York. For a time, he was a regular fixture at courtside at Madison Square Garden.
He got booed when he was shown on the big screen during the national anthem in Game 3. Trump also appeared to have fallen asleep during the contest.
The Knicks are now 0-1 in the NBA Finals when Trump attends their game.
Fans were quick to joke that President Donald Trump snapped the 13-game winning streak of the New York Knicks after watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Despite a no-quit effort in the closing minutes, the Knicks fell short against the San Antonio Spurs, 115-111, much to the dismay of the home crowd and everybody else in New York.