Donald Trump is set to attend Monday night's Game 3 of the NBA finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, prompting heightened security measures. The New York Knicks have urged fans to bring minimal items and arrive at least two hours before the 8.40pm local time tip-off due to the president's presence.
The New York Police Department announced the cancellation of a planned watch party outside the venue following discussions with the Secret Service. The decision comes after more than 20 arrests were made at a similar gathering on Friday when fans celebrated the Knicks' Game 2 victory.
A strict no-bag policy will be enforced, and airport-style screening procedures will be implemented for all attendees. Trump confirmed his attendance last week, marking his presence at another major sporting event in his second term, having previously attended the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Ryder Cup.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also plans to attend the game, though he stated he will be seated in a different section and expects no interaction with Trump. The mayor is paying for his own ticket, while Trump is attending as a guest of Knicks owner Jim Dolan.
The game takes place as the Knicks aim for their first NBA title since 1973, currently leading the Spurs 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and riding a 13-game winning streak. The atmosphere in New York is described as fevered, with the city's prominent political figures potentially under one roof.
