After the first two games of the NBA Finals have concluded in San Antonio, the series shifts to New York as the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs home to Madison Square Garden on Monday night, June 8. However, Knicks fans are at a loss for just how passionate they’re going to be able to be inside the Mecca, after a recent announcement from the historic arena, and the President of the United States.

After days of speculation, and an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, President Trump said he will be in attendance for Game 3 of the Spurs vs. Knicks in the NBA Finals at MSG, and has also said he could plan to attend Game 4 as well. The first NBA Finals game at the Mecca since 1999, will be the first time a sitting president will be in attendance for a Finals game in the NBA’s history.

Knicks fans are none too pleased at the president’s choice to attend the matchup, especially after the team had to release a joint statement with the United States Secret Service on heightened security measures ahead of Game 3.

A strict no-bag policy will be in effect for attendance into the arena, are being asked to limit personal items and arrive at least two hours before tip-off  “to allow additional time” for the TSA-style screening procedures planned. And fans of the Knicks who are looking forward to being a part of history, are not happy with what they’re going to experience pregame, including well-known Knicks fans Stephen A. Smith. Fans fear the security will take too long for them to arrive at their seats in time for tip-off. There are conflicting reports about watch parties in the area being cancelled as well, which has fans scrambling to make other plans.

While Knicks fans deal with the happenings in and around the Mecca, some fans of the NBA — including Spurs fans — are starting to throw out theories for the rest of the series because of what could happen in Game 3. All because of the possibility of the atmosphere being different to start the game. Could the Spurs take Game 3 and the series because of this? The folks on social media are getting loud about it. 

So who knows what to expect, but fans across the country are at the edge of their seats in anticipation for Game 3.

President Trump said he has been a Knicks fan for a long time, which was reiterated by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver who said Trump is “a big Knicks fan.” He added he’s been in the league a long time and Trump was at multiple NBA drafts at Madison Square Garden and was featured in NBA programming as a Knicks fan for the ‘I love this Game’ spots from years ago. 

Game 3 is set to take place on Monday, June 8 live from New York City. 

How to watch Spurs vs. Knicks Game 3

Game 3 will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN. You can also stream the game on the ESPN Unlimited app. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.