Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals divided America. However, the Madison Square Garden crowd picked a clear side and made sure his welcome was anything but warm.
Dez Bryant Fires Back at Knicks Fans Over Donald Trump Boos
Tension could be sensed ever since the announcement of Trump’s decision to attend the game. It burst when, midway through the national anthem, the arena’s Jumbotron cut to Trump saluting from owner James Dolan’s private luxury suite.
The reaction from the roughly 20,000 fans in attendance was instantaneous: a deafening chorus of boos and jeers that completely drowned out the singer. While a few pockets attempted a “U-S-A” chant, the hometown rejection of the president was unmistakable, ending only when the camera pivoted to Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
The hostile reception quickly spilled over onto social media, drawing a sharp rebuke from Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant. Known for his unfiltered commentary, the former All-Pro wide receiver fired a blunt, 11-word message on X aimed directly at the New York faithful: “That’s what you Knicks fans get for hating on President Trump!”
Bryant’s social media jab was fueled by the basketball karma that immediately followed. The Knicks entered the night riding a wave of momentum with a 2-0 series lead, looking to move within one victory of their first NBA championship since 1973.
Instead, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs completely disrupted the script, snapping New York’s postseason winning streak with a grueling 115-111 victory.
The game was a baseline-to-baseline dogfight. New York struggled early to adjust to the heightened, high-stakes atmosphere, falling behind as the Spurs used their length to disrupt the passing lanes. Jalen Brunson tried to carry the offense, but San Antonio’s defense forced critical late-game turnovers.
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The Knicks mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, cutting the deficit to a single possession in the final seconds, but the Spurs iced the game at the free-throw line, silencing a crowd that had been rowdy since the afternoon.
For Bryant, the Knicks’ frustrating loss was poetic justice for a fanbase that booed the POTUS.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama also addressed whether he could be New York’s latest villain postgame. He said, “I guess. I’m nowhere near Trae Young level, though.”
With the series now 2-1, Knicks fans hope for a return to winning ways when the Spurs return to their hostile home, Madison Square Garden, on Wednesday.
