After the New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games during the Conference Finals, there was already a rumor floating around that President Donald Trump might show up for a Finals game.
A few days ago, that rumor became true when it was confirmed that President Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Now, Knicks forward OG Anunoby has shared his thoughts on whether that kind of presence in the building could affect his team’s play.
OG Anunoby’s Comment Regarding the President’s Presence in Game 3
At a recent press conference, Anunoby was asked by a reporter whether President Trump being in the arena might have any kind of impact on the Knicks’ gameplay. The Knicks forward answered that the team is just going to go out there and play the game as usual.
“I think he’ll just be there watching the game. We’re gonna go as usual and just play our game and try to win the game,” Anunoby said during the interview.
OG Anunoby was asked how President Trumps attendance will impact the game and if it’ll motivate the Knicks 😬
“I think he’ll just be there watching the game. We’re gonna go as usual and just play our game and try to win the game.” https://t.co/ei2ehWOR6f pic.twitter.com/PcZGcBOHBt
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 7, 2026
Trump is reportedly attending the game after being invited by Knicks owner James Dolan. The visit will make history, as Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
But it’s not like Trump is a new face at Knicks games. He has been a known Knicks fan long before he ever entered politics, so Madison Square Garden is not exactly an unfamiliar place for him.
Now, because of his visit, security around the arena will be significantly tighter than usual. As reported by CBS News, officials are not planning any watch parties near the venue. Vehicle access to the area will be restricted, and people won’t be able to walk through the secured zone around Madison Square Garden either.
The corridors along Seventh and Eighth Avenue surrounding the arena are also expected to be shut down.
Whether the President would be sitting courtside or in one of the suites is still not confirmed. Still, many fans are genuinely excited about having Trump in the arena. Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed that he’s happy to have the president at Game 3.
“President Trump is very much a New Yorker. I’m thrilled another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team,” Silver said in an interview.
As for Anunoby, he has been one of the Knicks’ most reliable performers throughout this postseason run. In 14 playoff games, he has averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. In the last game, he scored 17 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists, helping the Knicks defeat the Spurs (105-104).
Now, it remains to be seen how the Knicks forward performs with the POTUS in the building on June 8.
