President Donald Trump is reportedly not expected to attend Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, due to “scheduling conflicts and obligations.”
Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks was overshadowed by Trump’s attendance. He became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, though he was met with a large chorus of boos upon arrival outside of the venue and when he was shown on screen during the national anthem.
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Extra security measures were put in place, including heightened screenings as fans, workers and media tried to enter Madison Square Garden.
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A several-block radius was also blocked off, causing heavy confusion for those trying not only to make their way into the game but also to navigate that area of Manhattan.
The Knicks entered the game with a 2-0 series lead and riding a 13-game win streak. New York lost its first game since April 23, as San Antonio secured an important 115-111 victory to cut the series to 2-1 in favor of the Knicks.
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President Trump’s attendance was certainly a distraction from the game, with how many hoops fans had to jump through before the game. Even players had to deal with added security, as Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox noted before the game.
“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else. We’ve got more, obviously more security. We’ve got to send stuff early, I think our buses are a little earlier. …
“The less stuff you can bring, the better. Obviously, we’re getting screened like it’s TSA. A little inconvenient for the people that’s gotta play. It is what it is.”
But, despite Trump not attending, the same “frozen zone” restrictions around Madison Square Garden will remain in place for Wednesday’s contest.
“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG,” Madison Square Garden Sports said in a statement while calling New York City officials “party poopers.”
“The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere. Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen … The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood. Their celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers.”
Even with the restrictions, the Knicks will try to get back to business as usual. They’ll have the chance to take a 3-1 series lead back to San Antonio if they can claim Game 4 on Wednesday.