New York Wasn’t Happy to See Trump at the NBA Finals — and MSG Made That Very Clear

United States President Donald Trump made the trip to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and the New York Knicks fans made their displeasure felt.

Knicks fans booed Trump during the National Anthem performance at the game. Multiple fan videos confirm that observation. If that were enough, we have confirmation from The Washington Times’ White House Reporter as well. The boos were reportedly, “thunderous” according to the reporting on hand. (Credit to Chris Geidner over at Law Dork for the images.)

Jeff Mordock explained, “POTUS was thunderously booed when he was shown on the Jumbotron during the National anthem. It was loud and long, but quickly changed to cheers when the camera quickly panned to Jalen Brunson on the court. POTUS was standing with his hand over his heart during the national anthem. He was standing between Kai Trump and James Dolan who seemed to be smirking at the boos.”

So, luckily for the President, the entire building loved Jalen Brunson enough that they were willing to put aside their displeasure for a few minutes. It was a strange scene all the way around in Madison Square Garden. (Also, one small nitpick for Jeff Mordock’s reporting there as Trump was saluting the flag instead of standing with his hand on his heart. But, the rest of that is a rock solid account of what happened here.)

Why did people boo Donald Trump?

Knicks fans were ready to boo Donald Trump from the opening tip-off because he made their trip into the arena such a headache. As you would expect from any event the President of the United States attends, there was a lot of security to maneuver through.

Reports from the ground indicated 2 hour waits to enter Madison Square Garden because of increased security. The Knicks organisation also released a statement on social media that they were instituting a “no bag policy” and “TSA-style screening procedures” ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

“A strict no bag policy will be in effect and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum. Fans should also expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA style screening procedures,” the Knicks wrote. “Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before tip off to allow time for screening and entry. Fans are encouraged to review the complete list of prohibitive items before arriving at www.secretservice.gov/prohibiteditems.” 

Monday was the first Knicks home game in an NBA Finals since Bill Clinton was President. So, the emotions around the big night were running high in New York City. However, Donald Trump’s plans for himself put the city at large in a tough spot. 

Not only would entry to the venue be more difficult, but the traditional watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden couldn’t occur because of the increased security. All of that would add-up to a crowd ready to boo Trump at their first opportunity.

Why did President Trump go to the NBA Finals?

Trump would attend the game after receiving an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan. The President has been a fixture of New York for decades at this point. But, recent years have seen that relationship with the city become more complicated.

Dolan had to know that this publicity appearance for the president would make things harder for the fans of the team he owns. The focus should have been on a vibrant New York City. Or a resurgent Knicks team that had won 13 games in a row? Now, the fanbase just experienced their first loss since the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The angry tone and man on the street interviews with Knicks fans before the game lets you know how this scene was going to play out. NBC New York put out one of the most wild headlines I have ever seen about a sporting event. The Secret Service presence meant that no fans could walk near Madison Square Garden on the day of the biggest game of the franchise’s last 25 years!

NYPD said, “No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there.”

This game goes down as one where the president of the United States got booed. The fans in attendance would rather celebrate a New York Knicks victory. In addition, fans of the team will never forget how strange this all was. An expectedly triumphant moment tossed sideways by the man who is leading the country. 

(feautred image: Al Bello/Getty Images)

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