Updated ,first published
Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, but he was booed loudly in Madison Square Garden — and later fell asleep — during Tuesday’s thrilling game three of the series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Trump, dressed in a black suit and red tie, was shown on the jumbotron at the time Star-Spangled Banner it was sung before the game, with mockery and cheers, but also some cheering, from all over the field.
He was shown for eight seconds while saluting, with a smile on his face. When the cameras turned to the Knicks players seconds later, the sellout crowd cheered.
The crowd, however, was silenced until the end of the game, the visiting Spurs won 115-111 behind the 224-centimeter French superstar, Victor Wembanyama, who scored 32 points on 11-18 shooting, eight rebounds and six assists, cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. Spurs player Stephon Castle had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson had 32 points on 11-25 shooting, to go along with five rebounds and five assists, but also five turnovers, while OG Anunoby had 28 points on 9-13 shooting, including a late three-pointer that cut the Spurs’ lead to two points with 9.4 seconds left.
The Knicks struggled to find their offense after halftime, and were shut out in the third and fourth quarters – losing their first game in 46 days and snapping their 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA playoff history.
No team has ever come back from an 0-3 hole in the NBA Finals. The Spurs are now guaranteed to host at least one more home game in San Antonio.
“It’s the little things, the biggest mistakes, the little mistakes, the little changes – it’s the whole thing,” said Wembanyama, who was accosted by a member of the euphoric crowd in the final quarter of the game.
The Knicks, who have been chasing their title since 1973, will look to regain their momentum at home on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST) in game four of the best-of-seven series.
All eyes before the game were on Trump, a longtime Knicks supporter who was often seen courtside in the 1990s, who arrived before tipoff and spoke with Knicks owner James Dolan, several members of his cabinet, and his grandson, Kai Trump, in the box. The room, in the lower bowl of the stadium, was surrounded by protective glass, as part of the extra security measures implemented that day.
He was later shown on screen sitting next to Dolan — but asleep — as the Knicks and Spurs battled it out in a high-energy contest.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to attend.
“What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN.
“We have to find things we have in common and build on that.”
Trump’s appearance forced a major upgrade in security measures.
“Yeah, there’s some inconvenience for the fans, but looking around the stadium, it’s packed,” Silver said.
“People listened, they came early, they went through extra security, which is important. I think we should use sports to create more of a sense of community.”
Trump’s Marine One helicopter flew from his New Jersey home near Wall Street, before his entourage arrived in Manhattan and into the stadium about an hour before tip-off.
The New York Police Department and the United States Secret Service established a large perimeter around Madison Square Garden. Anyone who attended the game, including the players, had to go through security checks when entering the field.
Outside viewing parties, which had been well-attended throughout the Knicks’ previous playoff run, were canceled. Other such events were moved to more remote locations, such as Bryant Park in Manhattan.
This, however, did not affect the ranks of celebrities. Knicks great Patrick Ewing, former stars John Starks, Larry Johnson and Latrell Sprewell, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Yankees legend Derek Jeter, director Spike Lee, and actors Timothee Chalamet, Tina Fey and Ben Stiller were among those who cheered for the Knicks.
The average ticket price for the third game was $US7683 ($10,887), while the highest price was $US65,000 ($92,100).
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers the AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball coverage.Connect via X or email address.
