Donald Trump’s plan to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden continues to cause a stir as fans deal with the fallout from the president’s high-profile presence.
Among those pushing back against Trump’s Monday attendance is three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, who accused the longtime Knicks fan of hindering his hometown team’s momentum.
Lou Williams Slams Donald Trump Ahead of Spurs-Knicks Game 3
New York has been the story of the 2026 playoffs, as after falling behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the third-seeded team has yet to lose another game.
Jalen Brunson and Co. improbably swept their way through Rounds 2 and 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers before taking a 2-0 lead over San Antonio in dramatic fashion.
After capitalizing on Brunson’s clutch heroics in Wednesday’s 105-95 Game 1 road win, the Knicks survived a late Spurs rally in Friday’s Game 2 showdown. San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama committed a costly turnover and missed a potential game-winner in the waning seconds, allowing New York to prevail 105-104.
That set the stage for what is expected to be a raucous Game 3 at MSG, the first Finals contest hosted by the Knicks since 1999.
Much has been made of the impact of Trump’s looming Game 3 appearance on New Yorkers, including the enhanced security measures for those with tickets to the contest. On Sunday, it was also announced that Game 3 watch parties outside MSG had been canceled in coordination with the Secret Service.
Knicks watch parties have grown increasingly rowdy during the team’s historic 13-game postseason winning streak. Thousands of fans regularly gather to watch their squad on a big screen, with the New York Police Department making numerous arrests.
Still, Sunday’s news drew significant backlash from those who felt it was unfair to dampen the enthusiasm of arguably the league’s most passionate fan base. Williams appeared to share that sentiment, as the former microwave shot creator took to X on Sunday to voice his disapproval of the decision.
“Messing up the vibes. SMH,” Williams wrote.
Messing up the vibes. SMH https://t.co/nt8yDtko71
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) June 7, 2026
While watch parties outside MSG have been prohibited for Game 3, New York will reportedly still host watch parties at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.
New statement from NYPD: “There will be no watch party outside MSG. This decision was made is coordination with the Secret Service. There will be watch parties at other locations. We are currently determining where they will be. We’ll get back to you when we have more to share.”…
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) June 7, 2026
However, both events were already fully booked as of Sunday afternoon, raising questions about the best way for Knicks fans to publicly support their team on the NBA’s biggest stage.
Fortunately for New Yorkers, MSG watch parties are expected to resume for Game 4, during which the Knicks could have an opportunity to clinch their first title since 1973 if they extend their winning streak on Monday.
