Trump Booed At MSG when the arena jumbotron showed the president and Knicks owner James Dolan during the national anthem, prompting a loud chorus of boos and some cheers, according to reports.
The president attended the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs playoff game seated in a suite above the first bowl with protective glass, and he became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game, reporters said.
Fans saw Jalen Brunson on the court and cheered him loudly, while the Knicks lost 115-111, a result that ended the franchise's 13-game playoff winning streak, as reported by coverage of the contest.
Inside the suite, witnesses said Trump sat near the front, spoke occasionally with others, and at times did not visibly react to the action on the court, though he stood and applauded at the end of the first half and returned for the third quarter.
The president told reporters he found the reception "great" and "amazing" and added "It was mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic," remarks he made after the game according to the accounts.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed the president's presence, calling Trump a "genuine Knicks fan" and saying sports can provide common ground, comments Silver made during pregame interviews and a broadcast appearance.
Security Steps Crowd Reactions And Local Disruptions
Trump's attendance prompted heavy security around Madison Square Garden, with perimeter fences, sand-filled trucks, checkpoints, and TSA-style screening procedures that forced fans to arrive early, reports said.
Officials closed the area from West 30th to West 35th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues, and seventh and eighth avenues remained closed to vehicles and pedestrians until after the game, coverage noted.
Transportation disruptions included blocked subway exits at the 34th Street Herald Square station, disabled Citi Bike docking, and no vehicular traffic allowed near the arena, according to eyewitness accounts.
NYPD officers dispersed an unauthorized outdoor projection viewing and later put on riot helmets and face shields as unrest unfolded near Bryant Park, where officers struggled to control some crowds and some people attempted to yank street signs loose.
Local leaders and public figures voiced frustration, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries saying on CNN that the president "had to inject himself" into the city's celebration, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arranged a nearby free event after the official watch party was canceled.
Players and others also noted the inconvenience, with Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox describing access to the arena as "getting screened by TSA" because of the added checks, remarks captured before the game.
