The New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals to book their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. There is expected to be historic demand for tickets at Madison Square Garden, and President Donald Trump has now responded to speculation that he could attend one of the NBA Finals games at the arena.
President Donald Trump Whether He Will Attend New York Knicks Game in NBA Finals
The Knicks have one of the largest fan bases in the NBA, and several celebrities have been spotted courtside during the playoffs. President Trump is a lifelong Knicks fan and has previously attended matches at Madison Square Garden. He is also good friends with Knicks owner James Dolan and revealed on Wednesday that he plans to watch his hometown team compete in the NBA Finals.
“I was going to go on Wednesday. But they closed it out very quickly. James Dolan’s a great guy. He is in charge of Madison Square Garden. He’s having a good year. Boy, what a team! They won all their games, they have some great players. I think I’ll be going to one of the games. I was invited by numerous people and Jim, and I think it’ll be great to see it,” President Trump said during a media briefing on Wednesday.
Q: Are you going to the Knicks game?
TRUMP: I was going to go on Wednesday, but they closed it out very quickly. I think I’ll be going to one of the games. pic.twitter.com/UvQXxtqzXl
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 27, 2026
President Trump also spoke about the Knicks’ struggles over the years and shared his delight at their current run in the NBA playoffs. The Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, but have won only two NBA titles, the last in 1973.
“The Knicks have really suffered for years. They’re doing great now,” he said.
President Trump is a big sports fan and has often been seen at UFC fights. He also attended the Super Bowl LIX, the FIFA Club World Cup Final, the U.S. Open men’s final, the Ryder Cup, and the Daytona 500 last year.
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Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and co. have turned things around in New York after years of struggles and will go into the NBA Finals on an 11-game winning streak. They comfortably swept the Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers after coming from behind to see off the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
The Knicks will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. The defending champions took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday after defeating the Spurs 127-114.
