Preparations are in full swing as President Donald Trump heads to Madison Square Garden to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
However, enhanced security measures for President Trump’s arrival to watch the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs have led to the cancellation of watch parties directly outside Madison Square Garden, prompting some criticism from the NBA world.
NBA World Reacts to MSG Canceling Outdoor Watch Parties
With President Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the U.S. Secret Service and Madison Square Garden have announced heightened security measures both inside and outside the arena. Ticket holders must arrive at the arena two hours before tip-off, and a strict no-bag policy has also been enforced.
In addition, all outdoor viewing parties right outside Madison Square Garden have also been canceled. So, fans without tickets to the game cannot congregate outside the arena in an attempt to improve crowd control.
It is worth noting that while watch parties directly outside MSG have been canceled, team-sanctioned events will be held at Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.
However, some NBA fans have criticized the decision. A Minnesota Timberwolves fan page predicted that this could impact the crowd atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, possibly allowing the Spurs to steal a road win.
“Ngl, the vibes are torched. If Spurs demolish tomorrow, I wouldn’t be surprised,” they wrote on X.
Ngl, the vibes are torched 😭
If Spurs demolish tomorrow, I wouldn’t be surprised https://t.co/3N23vWEObo
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) June 7, 2026
Another fan called for Knicks fan and director Spike Lee to bring former President Barack Obama to Madison Square Garden.
“He ruins everything. Hey Spike Lee, bring Obama,” he wrote.
He ruins everything. Hey Spike Lee, bring Obama. https://t.co/XYcuaXyldU
— James Tate (@JamesTate121) June 7, 2026
Journalist Pablo Torre also shared his take on the security measures being put in place for President Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“James Dolan invited his friend Donald Trump to watch Game 3. In order to do that, they have to ban the organic, historically joyous parties happening outside MSG for fans who can’t afford to be inside. Modern sports in a nutshell,” he wrote.
James Dolan invited his friend Donald Trump to watch Game 3. In order to do that, they have to ban the organic, historically joyous parties happening outside MSG for fans who can’t afford to be inside. Modern sports in a nutshell https://t.co/l7GKm0csj8
— Pablo Torre 👀 (@PabloTorre) June 7, 2026
Author David Dennis Jr. commented that the story reflects the current state of the world, as tens of thousands of fans are being priced out of tickets costing upwards of $8,000.
“This the quintessential story of how sports reflects the state of the world. Thousands of fans have waited for Game 3 their whole lives and now they’re priced out of entering the game and can’t even celebrate outside because one billionaire gets to attend the game for free,” he wrote.
This the quintessential story of how sports reflects the state of the world. Thousands of fans have waited for Game 3 their whole lives and now they’re priced out of entering the game and can’t even celebrate outside because one billionaire gets to attend the game for free.
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) June 7, 2026
Sports writer and author Jemele Hill noted how this whole situation reflected the current state of the United States.
“It’s the most American thing ever,” she wrote.
It’s the most American thing ever. https://t.co/oqgu1OdT7N
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 7, 2026
Three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams slammed Trump for “messing up the vibes” in New York.
Messing up the vibes. SMH https://t.co/nt8yDtko71
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) June 7, 2026
A Knicks fan page also criticized the security measures being put in place ahead of Game 3.
“This doesn’t make sense to me. If the Knicks go up 3-0 you might not even be able to leave the building anyway,” they wrote.
This doesn’t make sense to me.
If the Knicks go up 3-0 you might not even be able to leave the building anyway. https://t.co/DmaDQuVmM4
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) June 7, 2026
President Trump, who was born in Queens, is a lifelong Knicks fan and has previously attended several of their games at Madison Square Garden. He revealed that he would be attending the NBA Finals at the invitation of Knicks owner James Dolan.
The NYPD has announced that the decision was made after consideration with the Secret Service. They have made it clear in a statement that there would be watch parties in other locations, which could be some consolation for fans.
In a recent update, the MSG team has confirmed that the cancellation of watch parties is not related to the President. The spokesperson also mentioned that NYPD Commissioner Tisch could decide to close additional streets to ensure proper crowd control.
