President Donald Trump, a longtime New York Knicks fan, has announced plans to attend an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next week at the invitation of the team's owner, James Dolan. Describing himself as a "big fan" of both the team and Dolan, Trump stated on Thursday that he will be present for at least one game next week. The NBA believes this would make him the first sitting president to ever attend an NBA Finals game.
Trump's Plans and Game Recap
"The answer is yes — he's invited me, I'm going," Trump said regarding Dolan's invitation. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump indicated he was considering Game 3 on Monday but did not rule out Game 4 on Wednesday. "Maybe I'll do both," he added. Trump, who is simultaneously dealing with a war in Iran, congressional strife, and upcoming midterm elections, mentioned that he managed to watch part of Game 1 on Wednesday, during which the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to take a 1-0 series lead. "I missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now, but I watched the end of the game and they were dominant," Trump said. "Really amazing."
Trump's Praise for the Knicks
Asked about his plans for next week, Trump offered his own game recap, praising the Knicks. During an event highlighting his administration's efforts to promote the U.S. coal industry, Trump noted that it "wasn't looking good" for the Knicks early on but commended them for containing Victor Wembanyama, the towering Spurs center. "I say, how do you guard this guy? He's 7-foot-5 and he's got a great shot, right? But they find a way to do it. They're really great."
NBA Commissioner's Remarks
The NBA stated that it believes no other sitting president has attended an NBA Finals game. Earlier on Thursday, Commissioner Adam Silver recalled that some former presidents had attended games. He remembered Trump as a Knicks fan long before his political career. "Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," Silver said. "I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden." Silver reiterated a message he conveyed earlier amid reports of Trump's potential attendance: sports can be unifying, even in deeply divided political times. "We can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart," Silver said. "We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team."
Security and Logistics
The commissioner acknowledged that Trump's presence will require extra security in and around Madison Square Garden, which would almost certainly mean longer transit times and logistical issues for fans. "I think the fans are very understanding of that," Silver said. "I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event."
