Trump’s presence at Knicks-Spurs Game 3 triggers increased security
Massive security preparations are underway for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York due to the anticipated presence of Donald Trump. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The New York Police Department and Secret Service set up a “frozen zone” around Madison Square Garden, prompting fan advisories and a no-baggage policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses heightened security measures in the wake of a recent stabbing at Penn Station.
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The increased security and anticipation of President Donald Trump’s appearance in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Monday night at Madison Square Garden didn’t sit well with at least one of the San Antonio Spurs’ stars.
De’Aaron Fox said Trump, who became the first sitting president in history to attend an NBA Finals game after entering MSG 40 minutes before tipoff, was “awkward for everyone.” But his head coach, Mitch Johnson, had a conflicting statement on the situation.
“No, I didn’t feel any downside. We have a big game tonight,” Johnson responded in a pre-match press conference, “and I’m trying to continue to find a way to play closer to our standard and our identity than in the first two games.
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San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson watches the game from the sidelines against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on March 25, 2025. (David Reginek-Imagn Images)
“There’s a lot going on and I’d much rather be a part of it than not.”
The enhanced security protocols, which included the Secret Service, TSA and others joining the NYPD, shook midtown Manhattan around MSG on Monday. A security wall was placed around the arena, while fans lucky enough to get tickets were seen moving in slow masses due to the extra security checks.
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Fox spoke at the Spurs shootout on Monday, where he was admittedly upset about the change from his usual routine.
“We obviously have more security. We have to send things out early. I think our buses are coming a little earlier.”
Fox also noted being “screened like it’s TSA,” with photos surfacing on social media of Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama being screened by security personnel before entering “The Garden.”
“It’s a little embarrassing for the people who have to play, but it is what it is,” Fox added.
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox shouts to his teammates during the first half of an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in New York, January 27, 2025. (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo)
Knicks head coach Mike Brown did not respond when asked if it was appropriate for the president to attend the game, but he did answer what his own drive home was like after winning the first two games of this best-of-seven series on the road.
“A lot of people text me all the time about this and that, and for me I’m just focused on what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is in front of us right now. I think our group is like that too,” he said.
“Coming here, I stayed downtown because we were practicing here. So I stayed downtown at the team hotel. I’ve never done that at a game before. But it’s easier because we’re practicing here, and so staying downtown and coming from our hotel to here was a shorter ride or a shorter commute than I’m used to coming from Westchester County.”
Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026, in New York. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
