President Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game as he heads to Madison Square Garden to cheer for the New York Knicks in tonight’s Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has weighed in on the strict security measures being put in place to prepare for President Trump’s arrival.
De’Aaron Fox Weighs In On President Donald Trump Attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals
The conversation leading up to Game 3 of the NBA Finals has been dominated by the enhanced security measures being adopted in and outside Madison Square Garden thanks to President Trump. The watch party right outside the arena has been canceled, a secure perimeter has been set up, ticket holders have been told to arrive two hours before tip-off to go through security screenings, and a strict no-bag policy has also been put in place.
Fox revealed that even players are being asked to navigate the enhanced security measures at Madison Square Garden.
“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else… We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is,” Fox said via San Antonio Express-News journalist Tom Orsborn.
#Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox on security at MSG:
“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else. …We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) June 8, 2026
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson also shared his thoughts on Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play [no matter] who’s here and who’s not,” he said.
Trump, who was born in Queens and is a lifelong Knicks fan, was invited to attend the NBA Finals by the team’s owner James Dolan. To ensure crowd control and safety, the U.S. Secret Service and Madison Square Garden have implemented strict security measures.
A notable sports fan, Trump also attended last year’s Super Bowl, US Open, Daytona 500, and several UFC events.
In addition to President Trump, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The Knicks are currently on a 13-game winning streak and hold a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. They can take a huge step towards winning their first NBA title since 1973 with a win over the Spurs on Monday evening. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET tonight.
