President Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos from fans at Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. The president appeared to doze off during the match, and his heavily bruised hands were on full display.
Trump Nods Off During Game
Sharp-eyed Knicks supporters caught the moment President Trump seemed to fall asleep while watching the game. Footage circulating online shows the president shutting his eyes as he clasps his hands in his lap. His head dips slightly for roughly 45 seconds before he suddenly opens his eyes with a start, glances around, and turns his attention back to the court.
Earlier in the evening, during the national anthem, Trump's bruised and discolored hands were clearly visible. Photographers captured his heavily made-up hand as he waved to booing Knicks supporters throughout the venue, who heckled him all evening.
Bruised Hands Under Scrutiny
Journalist Aaron Rupar tweeted a picture of Trump's hand taken by a Getty photographer, writing: 'Trump, with his afflicted right hand visible, stands during the national anthem while at MSG for the NBA Finals.' Trump's hands have come under intense scrutiny over the past year after large, black bruises were noticed on the back of his right hand early in his second term.
The White House attributed the bruising to an aspirin regimen and the sheer volume of handshakes he engages in daily. Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency last summer, which could explain the frequent bruising and swelling observed around his feet and ankles.
Fans Voiced Displeasure
Trump was met with a chorus of boos as his motorcade arrived at MSG. Insults were hurled at the president as the crowd jeered at his waving figure. Many fans brandished signs expressing disdain, and at least two people gave him the middle finger. Another showed a thumbs down.
'Put them gas prices down!' one fan shouted before hurling an expletive at Trump. 'F--- Trump, but we came here for the Knicks!' another yelled. The crowd joined in with chants of 'F--- Trump, go Knicks!' According to Jeff Mordock of the Washington Times, one sign read, 'Nobody wants you here.' Another said, 'Trump must go,' and a third read, 'Impeach. Convict. Remove.'
Heightened Security
Security was significantly heightened at MSG ahead of Trump's attendance, causing unease among basketball fans and New Yorkers. Secret Service agents searched supporters as they entered the venue, and bags were prohibited entirely. Outside, police directed people into cordoned-off queues that stretched considerably before tip-off. Some fans waited over an hour to gain entry.
Videos from the nearby waterfront showed large military helicopters awaiting departure on platforms close to the shore, with smaller helicopters circling overhead scanning for threats.
Game Context
Trump declared his attendance at Game 3 of the Finals, where the Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs in their first home match of the best-of-seven series. The Knicks had secured the opening two games, needing just two more wins to claim the NBA championship for the first time since 1973. The Spurs needed four victories to secure their sixth NBA title since 1999, when both teams last met in the Knicks' previous Finals appearance.
