The New York Police Department has cancelled a planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden for Monday night's NBA finals game, citing security concerns due to President Donald Trump's attendance. The decision followed discussions between the Secret Service and the NYPD.
The Knicks are urging fans to arrive at least two hours before the 8.40pm tipoff and have implemented a strict no-bag policy with airport-style screening procedures. The enhanced security measures come after more than 20 people were arrested at Friday's watch party celebrating the Knicks' Game 2 victory.
Trump confirmed last week he would attend Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs as a guest of Knicks owner Jim Dolan. It marks the first NBA finals game in New York City since 1999. The president has attended several major sporting events during his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl and Daytona 500.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also plans to attend the game, though he said he would be in a different section from Trump. The mayor's office confirmed Mamdani would pay for his own ticket. The Knicks lead the series 2-0 and are on a 13-game winning streak, seeking their first NBA title since 1973.
