Donald Trump booed at NBA Finals in New York City before clash between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama
Donald Trump became the first US president to attend the NBA Finals but was loudly booed at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday ahead of game three of the series between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Trump was featured on the jumbotron wearing a dark suit and red tie. Banner decorated with stars Before the game, chants, boos and hoots but also some chants broke out in the arena.
He was shown saluting for eight seconds and had a smile on his face. A few seconds later, the crowd cheered as the cameras turned to the Knicks players.
Trump, a longtime Knicks fan who was often seen courtside in the 1990s, arrived before tipoff and chatted at a box office with Knicks owner James Dolan, several members of his cabinet and his grandson, Kai Trump. The arena’s lower-level suite was surrounded by protective glass as part of extra security measures implemented that day.
Later, as he sat next to Dolan on the screen, the Knicks launched a second-quarter run and took the lead at halftime.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was a welcome participant.
“What makes sports so special is that we have something in common, especially when there are so many things that divide people,” Silver told ESPN.
“We must look for what we have in common and develop it.”
Trump’s emergence has necessitated a major upgrade of security measures.
“Yes, there are some inconveniences for the fans, but when we look at the field we see that it is full,” Silver said.
“People listened, they came early, they went through extra security, which is necessary. We need to use sport to create a greater sense of community.”
After Trump’s Marine One helicopter flew from his home in New Jersey to near Wall Street, his motorcade crossed over Manhattan and arrived at the arena about an hour before tipoff.
The New York Police Department and the US Secret Service set up a large perimeter around Madison Square Garden. Everyone attending the match, including players, had to go through security checks when entering the stadium.
Off-court fan viewing parties, which were previously well-attended throughout the Knicks’ playoff run, have been canceled. Other such events have been shifted to more remote locations, such as Bryant Park in Manhattan.
However, this did not affect the famous row. Knicks’ great star Patrick Ewing, former stars John Starks, Larry Johnson and Latrell Sprewell, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Yankees legend Derek Jeter, director Spike Lee and actors Timothee Chalamet, Tina Frey and Ben Stiller were among those cheering for the Knicks.
The average price of a ticket for the third match was US$7683 ($10,887), with the highest price being US$65,000 ($92,100).
The Knicks aim to win their first championship since 1973.
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend are delivered every Monday. Sign up for our sports newsletter.
Jon Pierik is a sports reporter for The Age. He covers the AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect with: X or email.
