The New York Knicks are competing in their first NBA Finals in 27 years, with the country’s biggest market drawing the attention of several big names, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
A day after the Knicks’ hard-fought 105-95 Game 1 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Trump weighed in on the series and confirmed his plan to make an appearance at Madison Square Garden.
Donald Trump Talks Knicks vs. Spurs and His NBA Finals Plans
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Trump was asked about whether he still planned to attend a Finals contest. Before answering, he praised the Knicks and their owner, James Dolan.
“Well, I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said. “He’s a nice guy, okay. He’s spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy, and he’s got a team that’s amazing. I don’t think they’ve lost a playoff game. Can you imagine that?
“It was not looking good. I saw the beginning of the game, and it wasn’t looking good. I missed the middle because I talked to generals all night long, but I watched that end of the game, and they were dominant, really amazing.”
Trump then lauded Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama before reverting back to commending the Knicks and affirming his attendance plans.
“Wemby’s a great player. He’s going to be a great player, and he is already a great player,” Trump gushed. “I say, how do you guard this guy? He’s 7-foot-5, and he’s got a great shot, right? But they find a way to do it.
“They’re really great, they’re a great team, and I’m happy for Jim because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team, so you never know. The answer is, yes, he’s invited me, and I’m going … It could be Monday.”
Trump on going to the NBA Finals: Wemby’s a great player. He’s going to be a great player and he is already a great player. I’m going. Could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both. pic.twitter.com/SBeDujD3vt
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2026
Trump, of course, has strong connections to New York. Trump Tower is in New York City, and he was born there. His hit show before he became president, “The Apprentice,” was also filmed in New York, so it makes sense that he would root for the Knicks and plan to attend an NBA Finals game in the city where he grew up.
After stealing home-court advantage in the series, the Knicks are just three wins away from their first title since 1973. They are set to host the Spurs at MSG for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, with New York’s raucous fan base likely to be more fired up than ever before.
