The San Antonio Spurs trail the New York Knicks 2-0 in the NBA Finals heading into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Victor Wembanyama and his teammates have expressed confidence in their ability to stage a comeback despite the significant deficit.
This matchup marks the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since June 25, 1999. The Spurs must win to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole in the series, which would put them on the brink of elimination.
The Knicks' dominant start has caught the attention of prominent figures beyond the sports world. President Donald Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, said he plans to attend Game 3 as a guest of team owner James Dolan. Trump watched portions of Game 1, which the Knicks won to take a 1-0 series lead. He praised the team's performance, noting their effective defense against Wembanyama. "I say, how do you guard this guy? He's 7ft 5in and he's got a great shot, right? But they find a way to do it. They're really great," Trump said.
The NBA believes Trump would be the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that Trump has been a Knicks fan for decades, attending games and events at Madison Square Garden long before his political career began.
Trump's attendance at Game 3 has prompted significant security preparations. The New York Police Department announced enhanced security measures for the event, including the cancellation of a planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden. These security arrangements are expected to create logistical challenges for fans, including longer transit times to reach the arena.
Silver acknowledged the security requirements but suggested fans understand the added measures. "I think the fans are very understanding of that," Silver said. "I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also indicated plans to attend Monday's game, though he suggested he will be seated in a different section of the arena from Trump. The mayor's office said he would purchase his own ticket, which were selling for more than $8,000 on the secondary market as of Thursday.
Despite the political attention surrounding Game 3, the focus remains on the basketball. The Spurs face a critical moment in the Finals, needing to win to keep their championship hopes alive. The team's ability to contend with the Knicks' dominant defense and execution will determine whether they can begin their comeback or face elimination from the championship series.