President Donald Trump did not receive a warm welcome to his home state, with New York Knicks fans loudly booing him during the national anthem as he appeared on screen at Madison Square Garden for game 3 of the NBA finals.
Trump was joined in an MSG box by Knicks owner James Dolan, who invited him to the game, as well as members of his administration and family.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, are in Trump’s box. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his granddaughter, Kai Trump, were also spotted.
Officials implemented strict security measures for Monday’s face-off between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, including a no-bag policy and “TSA-style” screenings.
The city also banned a watch party outside the Midtown Manhattan venue, a move that left some fans fuming. Other watch parties are still taking place across the city, including at Central Park and Bryant Park.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly attending tonight’s game from seats high above the court.
Read MoreCrowd boos Trump during national anthem as he watches Knicks at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden
Trump keeps saluting during the national anthem – despite flag code regulations saying he shouldn’t
Knicks fans fume over strict security measures as Trump attends NBA Finals game
Key Points
- Crowd boos Trump during national anthem at MSG
- Celebrity Knicks fans spotted at MSG
- Fans beg Trump to stay away from NBA Finals Game 3 as ‘TSA-style’ security introduced
- NYPD announces Manhattan traffic closures
MSG erupts in cheers as Knicks take the lead in the second quarter
02:50 , Rachel DobkinMadison Square erupts in cheers as the New York Knicks take the lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter.
The score is now 64-57.
Mamdani watching game from MSG seats high above court
02:47 , Rachel DobkinNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is watching the game from arena seats high above the court, The New York Times reported.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is sitting with the New York Knicks owner James Dolan in a box.
Watch: Trump loudly booed by Knicks fans during NBA finals game 3
02:40 , Rachel DobkinJay-Z spotted at MSG
02:29 , Rachel Dobkin
Trump keeps saluting during the national anthem – despite flag code regulations saying he shouldn’t
02:25 , Gustaf KilanderPresident Donald Trump has made a habit of saluting during the national anthem despite the flag code indicating that he should simply place his hand over his heart.
On Monday night, attending Game 3 of the NBA finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Trump did it again during the national anthem – as fans loudly booed him.
At first, as those around him – including his granddaughter Kai and several members of his cabinet – put their hands on their hearts, the president stared straight ahead without moving. Then he saluted, before doing a fist pump.
However, there have been questions over whether he should salute during the national anthem at all.
Read more...
Why does Trump keep saluting during the national anthem?
'I wish he wasn't here': Knicks fan reacts to Trump at MSG
02:21 , Rachel DobkinNew York Knicks fans have made their feelings about President Donald Trump’s presence at game 3 of the NBA finals known with loud boos during the national anthem.
One Brooklyn resident complained about Trump’s trip to the city to watch the Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs.
"I wish he wasn't here. He's not a real fan, and he's just making things awful," Errol Ismail said in a Reuters article published Monday.
"We've waited a lifetime for this, and he's made it about himself, like everything else."
More than half the seats at Madison Square Garden were empty an hour before tipoff, per Reuters. The cheapest tickets for game 3 reportedly went for about $8,000.
Spurs lead the Knicks by 11 points at end of first quarter
02:14 , Rachel DobkinThe San Antonio Spurs are leading the New York Knicks 33 to 22 at the end of the first quarter.
Trump administration shares video of 'USA' chants, leaves out roaring boos
02:11 , Rachel DobkinMargo Martin, Donald Trump’s communications advisor, has shared a video of people chanting “USA” as the president watches the NBA finals from a box in Madison Square Garden.
But Martin left out the roaring boos from New York Knicks fans when Trump was seen on the MSG screen.
Chants of ‘USA’ in Madison Square Garden! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0TTZ4l1Tt8
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 9, 2026
Trump is surrounded by Knicks owner James Dolan and administration officials
02:08 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump is surrounded by New York Knicks owner James Dolan, who invited him to game 3 of the NBA finals, and some officials in his administration.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are also in Trump’s box at Madison Square Garden.
In pictures: Celebrity row at MSG includes Knicks superfan Spike Lee
02:01 , Rachel Dobkin
Full story: Crowd boos Trump during national anthem at MSG
01:49 , Josh MarcusPresident Donald Trump was loudly booed Monday night inside Madison Square Garden during the singing of the national anthem as he watched his hometown New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the NBA Finals.
Read more...
Crowd boos Trump during national anthem at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden
In pictures: Trump at MSG for game 3 of NBA finals
01:47 , Rachel Dobkin
MSG erupts in boos for Trump during Star-Spangled Banner
01:39 , Rachel DobkinMadison Square Garden has erupted in boos for President Donald Trump as he saluted during the Star-Spangled Banner.
In pictures: Celebrities attend game 3 of NBA finals
01:37 , Rachel Dobkin
NBA commissioner says Trump is 'welcome to be here'
01:32 , Rachel DobkinNBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said President Donald Trump is “welcome” to be at Madison Square Garden for game 3 of the NBA finals.
"He's welcome to be here. What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is it’s something that we have in common,” Silver said at the arena.
Celebrity Knicks fans spotted at MSG
01:26 , Rachel DobkinActor Timothée Chalamet and comedians Jon Stewart and Tracy Morgan have been spotted at Madison Square Garden before the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs face off in game 3 of the NBA finals.
NYC street-corner poet with iconic Knicks riff speaks out
01:17 , Rachel DobkinA street-corner poet who blew up online with a riff about the New York Knicks has spoken out.
“I grew up with Jews, Muslims, Haitians, Pakistanis, Bengalis...” 23-year-old MD Hossain said in a Washington Post article published Monday. “I just had to bring everyone together.”
If you are not familiar with the Manhattan ode filmed after the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in game 1 of the NBA finals last week, it goes like this:
My mayor Muslim
My bagel’s Jewish
My Christian Dior
Knicks in four
Spike Lee seen wearing his 'Pope Leo' Knicks jersey ahead of game 3
01:11 , Rachel DobkinFilmmaker Spike Lee has been seen wearing his “Pope Leo” Knicks jersey ahead of game 3, according to a photo at Madison Square Garden taken by ESPN.
Lee had given Pope Leo, the first American pope, one of the jerseys last November at the Vatican.
The New York Basketball X account said the Knicks are 59-27 since Lee gave Pope Leo the jersey.
New Yorkers throw up middle fingers as Trump's motorcade through city
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:55 , Rachel DobkinNew Yorkers threw up middle fingers as Donald Trump's motorcade drove through the city, according to a reporter traveling with the president.
Two people stuck up their middle fingers and one gave a thumbs down at Trump’s arrival.
New Yorkers also held up signs that read, “Nobody wants you here,” “Trump must go” and “Impeach. Convict. Remove.”
Knicks celebrity fans arrive at MSG ahead of game 3
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:44 , Graeme MassieCelebrity fans, including Alex Rodriguez, Spike Lee and former player Jeremy Lin have all made their way to MSG for game 3.
Trump arrives at MSG for game 3
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:42 , Graeme MassieDonald Trump has now arrived at MSG for Knick-Spurs, according to reporters traveling with the president.
In pictures: Trump impersonator poses with Knicks fans
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:40 , Rachel Dobkin
Trump heading to MSG after landing in Manhattan by helicopter
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:33 , Graeme Massie
Trump arrives in NYC ahead of Knicks game
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:27 , Graeme Massie
Long lines form around MSG ahead of Knicks game
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:24 , Graeme MassieLong lines are reportedly forming as fans try and get into MSG to watch the Knicks game against the Spurs amid tight security surrounding Donald Trump’s attendance.
White House claps back at Hakeem Jeffries after he doubts Trump's loyalty to Knicks
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:20 , Rachel DobkinThe White House has clapped back at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after he doubted President Donald Trump's loyalty to the New York Knicks.
Jeffries, a Democrat representing Brooklyn, said it’s “not clear” that Trump is a true Knicks fan earlier Monday.
In an edited video of Jeffries' comments, the White House swapped out the Knicks hat he was wearing with a sombrero, alluding to a vulgar meme that the Trump administration has continued to use to mock Democratic leaders.
The video also included old footage of Trump interacting with former Knicks player Patrick Ewing.
“Ok, anyways, we fixed the hat for you. Oh, and @POTUS knows ball,” the White House wrote in the post.
Knicks superfan Ben Stiller at MSG hours ahead of tip-off: report
Tuesday 9 June 2026 00:01 , Rachel DobkinActor Ben Stiller, a superfan of the New York Knicks, arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals nearly three hours ahead of tip-off, according to a new report.
Stiller was at the arena chatting with announcer Ernie Johnson near midcourt before the Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs later tonight, The New York Times reported.
Security lines for MSG 'running blocks' as arena prepares for Trump: report
Monday 8 June 2026 23:40 , Rachel DobkinSecurity lines for Madison Square Garden are “running blocks” as the arena prepares for President Donald Trump to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals, according to a new report.
“The lines to get to Madison Square Garden are running blocks with all of the Security due to the Secret Service presence,” The Athletic’s Jared Weiss wrote on X Monday evening.
The New York Knicks will face off against the San Antonio Spurs as they try for their third straight win in the finals.
Watch: AOC slams 'vibe killer' Trump for attending Knicks-Spurs game
Monday 8 June 2026 23:20 , Katie HawkinsonRepresentative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit out at President Donald Trump for attending tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden.
His attendance has prompted heightened security and changes for fans.
What streets are closed for the Knicks-Spurs game?
Monday 8 June 2026 23:00 , Katie HawkinsonThe New York Police Department detailed the traffic closures that are currently in effect for the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden.
Starting at 4 p.m. local time, officials closed vehicle and pedestrian traffic from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue.
“No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there,” the department said.
Lincoln Project hits out at Trump
Monday 8 June 2026 22:44 , Katie HawkinsonThe Lincoln Project, a group founded by anti-Trump Republicans, hit out at the president ahead of his return to New York City, where he’ll watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Trump returns to NYC tonight for the Knicks game, a city he is banned from operating a business in because a judge found him liable for major financial fraud.
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 8, 2026
Video: New Yorkers react to Knicks Finals game as MSG security tightens ahead of Trump's attendance
Monday 8 June 2026 22:33 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House shares old photos of Trump in NYC
Monday 8 June 2026 22:02 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House shared old photos of President Donald Trump in his hometown as he prepares to watch tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game in Madison Square Garden.
See you soon, New York City. pic.twitter.com/nxS4Zs8lfQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 8, 2026
In pictures: Fans gather outside MSG for Game 3 amid heightened security
Monday 8 June 2026 21:59 , Katie Hawkinson
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox says Trump visit is 'inconvenient'
Monday 8 June 2026 21:48 , Katie HawkinsonSan Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox said it’s “inconvenient” that President Donald Trump is attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
“The president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else,” he told Jared Weiss, a reporter for The Athletic.
“We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people who have got to play,” he added.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spotted in Gramercy Park
Monday 8 June 2026 21:38 , Katie HawkinsonSan Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was spotted in Gramercy Park ahead of tonight’s game, according to clips shared on social media.
Observers said he appeared to be drawing in the exclusive park, which can only be accessed by nearby residents and groups who hold keys.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s press office even joined in on the fun and shared a joke on X about the star player.
“@NYPDnews would like to report someone in Gramercy Park without a key,” her press office wrote.
Jeffries says it's 'not clear' that Trump is a Knicks fan
Monday 8 June 2026 21:12 , Katie HawkinsonHouse Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat representing large swaths of Brooklyn, said it’s “not clear” that President Donald Trump is a true New York Knicks fan.
“It’s not clear to me that Donald Trump is a big Knicks fan. I mean, does this guy even know the difference between Karl Rove and Karl-Anthony Towns? I don't think so. He's just injecting himself into the NBA Finals because he always has to bring the MAGA circus into town,” Jeffries told reporters.
“I think Knicks fans just want to enjoy Game 3,” he added.
Trump to watch Knicks-Spurs game from suite in MSG: report
Monday 8 June 2026 20:57 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump will be watching tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game from a suite in Madison Square Garden, a White House official told ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Tonight will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game.
Trump's New York approval rating falls as he prepares for hometown visit
Monday 8 June 2026 20:50 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump is visiting his hometown to watch the New York Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden tonight — but not everyone will be happy to see him return.
That’s because Trump’s approval rating is now “30 points underwater” in the Empire State, marking a “massive drop off” from last year, according to Harry Enten, CNN’s chief data analyst.
“The president of the United States, Donald John Trump, may be more hated in his home state of New York than the San Antonio Spurs,” Enten said Monday.
ANALYSIS: Trump may be a sports fan, but is he really a Knicks fan? History doesn’t place him in pantheon of Stiller, Lee and Chalamet
Monday 8 June 2026 20:25 , Andrew FeinbergIf there’s one thing that can be said about Donald Trump, it’s that he’s a sports fan.
From his earliest days on the campaign trail in 2015, Trump and his aides spun yarns about how he’d been scouted as a potential professional baseball draft pick while a high school student at the now-defunct New York Military Academy.
During his heyday as a New York tabloid fixture, he made multiple unsuccessful attempts to purchase several National Football League franchises before settling for Herschel Walker-led NJ Generals team in the fleeting USFL, which he pushed to switch from spring games to compete directly with the NFL, leading to its ultimate demise.
He’s also been a longtime fan of combat sports, first boxing, then professional wrestling, then Ultimate Fighting. And as president, he’s often reveled in the chance to host professional and collegiate sports champions at the White House — and to attend various sporting events himself, be they NASCAR races, Stanley Cup finals, NCAA football championship games or the granddaddy of them all, the Super Bowl.
But if there’s another thing that can be said about Donald Trump, it’s that he’s not exactly a fan of the National Basketball Association.
Trump may be a sports fan — but is he really a Knicks fan?
Mamdani paid $1k for Game 3 ticket
Monday 8 June 2026 20:20 , Katie HawkinsonNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters he paid $1,000 for his ticket to the upcoming Knicks-Spurs game.
“I'll be going to tonight's Game 3, and I'll be standing for the duration of the game,” Mamdani said.
President Donald Trump is also attending tonight’s game — it remains to be seen whether he and Mamdani will interact with each other at Madison Square Garden.
Mamdani says security measures 'honor' the right to protest
Monday 8 June 2026 20:15 , Katie HawkinsonWhen asked about the possibility of the president’s visit sparking demonstrations, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the security measures being taken still “honor” Americans’ right to protest.
“The right to protest is one that is innate, not only to the spirit of our city, but also the laws of our country. The procedures that are being taken today are ones that honor that right,” Mamdani told reporters Monday.
“We know what comes with a presidential visit, and Secret Service protocols necessitate a different set of preparation than we would otherwise be taking for the finals,” he added.
Recap: Stabbing attack inside NYC’s Penn Station night before Trump’s Madison Square Garden visit injures 6
Monday 8 June 2026 19:50 , Katie HawkinsonSix people were injured in a stabbing inside New York City’s bustling Penn Station on Sunday evening, officials said.
Security considerations in the area around Penn Station were already heightened in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s arrival for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Read more below:
Stabbing inside Penn Station night before Trump Madison Square Garden visit hurts 6
Knicks-Spurs game will mark Trump's 17th sporting match of second term: report
Monday 8 June 2026 19:19 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight, marking the 17th sporting match he’s attended since taking office in January 2025, according to NBC News’ Chief White House Correspondent Garrett Haake.
Trump’s first game of his second term was the 2025 Super Bowl, making him the first sitting U.S. president in history to attend the annual championship.
In pictures: Officials prepare for Knicks-Spurs game at MSG
Monday 8 June 2026 19:08 , Katie Hawkinson
White House shares old video of Trump attending NBA game
Monday 8 June 2026 18:50 , Katie HawkinsonThe White House shared old footage of President Donald Trump attending an NBA match, just hours before he’s expected to attend the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden this evening.
In the 14-second clip, the camera pans to Trump as an announcer yells out, “Our guest celebrity cameraman, Donald Trump! Welcome to the telecast.”
“We must be paying our cameraman a pretty penny,” the announcer joked.
Always locked in 🎥🏀 pic.twitter.com/IHSJgwSrKQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 8, 2026
Spike Lee responds to Trump watching Knicks-Spurs game: 'My face says a lot!'
Monday 8 June 2026 18:23 , Katie HawkinsonLegendary filmmaker and actor Spike Lee reacted to President Donald Trump’s plans to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
“Is there enough love in the building for the president of the United States tonight?” a FOX 5 New York reporter asked.
Lee, a longtime Trump critic, rubbed his forehead and fell silent before responding: “My face says a lot!”
Karl-Anthony Towns dodges question on Trump visit, focuses on fans
Monday 8 June 2026 17:55 , Katie HawkinsonWhen asked about President Donald Trump’s plans to attend tonight’s NBA Finals game, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns dodged the question and instead highlighted the fans who he said have “earned the right” to watch the game live.
“The fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden,” Anthony-Towns said.
“For this to be the first game in a long time that they've seen finals basketball, it's up to us to bring it, give them something to cheer for, give them something to get loud for, and also give them something to believe in,” he added.
Several fans on social media were delighted by his answer.
“I love his answer. It’s about the fans!” one user commented on Instagram.
“Smart way to think about it. Stay locked in to the mission,” another wrote.
Watch: Trump says those who can’t afford NBA Finals tickets can watch on TV
Monday 8 June 2026 17:50 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump, who is expected to attend tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game, told reporters Americans who can’t afford tickets to the NBA Finals can “watch it on television.”
Watch the moment below:
Ann Coulter lashes out at Trump for attending Knicks game
Monday 8 June 2026 17:20 , Katie HawkinsonRight-wing commentator Ann Coulter lashed out at President Donald Trump, calling his decision to attend tonight’s Knicks game “narcissistic.”
“Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst,” she wrote on X.
Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst. 20,000 attendees will be MASSIVELY inconvenienced for all the extra security, the Knicks Watch Party at Garden Is canceled, thousands of… pic.twitter.com/oQyVbvRQRn
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) June 8, 2026
$1M auction for courtside seats will help benefit charity for children
Monday 8 June 2026 16:52 , Katie HawkinsonTwo major New York City firms split a $1 million bid for two courtside seats at tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game in an auction that will benefit a children’s charity.
The winning bid — split by the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital — is the “single largest donation in the history of the foundation,” according to MSG Sports.
The proceeds from the auction will go to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that helps children in need.
“This $1 million donation will be an invaluable resource to continue to help shape the futures of the young people we serve,” MSG Sports CEO James Dolan said in a statement.
NBA fans beg Trump to stay away from Knicks-Spurs Game 3 as ‘TSA-style’ security introduced: ‘We will lose if he comes’
Monday 8 June 2026 16:20 , Carsen HoladayFans of the New York Knicks are begging Donald Trump to stay away from Game 3 of the NBA Finals after his plan to attend has prompted enhanced security measures and concerns of courtside tension.
Keep reading:
NBA fans go scorched earth on Trump attendance for Knicks-Spurs Game 3
Will Mamdani and Trump meet at tonight's game?
Monday 8 June 2026 16:09 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are both attending tonight’s NBA Finals match, leaving many questioning whether the two will cross paths.
When asked last week whether he has any plans to meet with the president, Mamdani told reporters they’ll be in “very different” parts of Madison Square Garden.
“I can tell you that I'm planning to go to a Knicks game. I will be at Game 3. I will be in a very different section of the stadium,” Mamdani said Thursday.
“And I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship,” he added.
Trump praises Knicks and MSG Sports CEO
Monday 8 June 2026 15:50 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump, a New York City native, praised the Knicks and MSG Sports CEO Jim Dolan while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office last week.
“I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time. I’m also a Jim Dolan fan, he’s a nice guy,” Trump said.
“He’s spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy, and he’s got a team that’s amazing,” he added.
Watch his full remarks below:
NYPD details Manhattan traffic closures for Knicks-Spurs game
Monday 8 June 2026 15:43 , Katie HawkinsonThe New York Police Department detailed the traffic closures taking effect this afternoon for the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue starting at 4 p.m. local time.
“No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there,” the department said.
How to get free tickets for Bryant Park Knicks watch party
Monday 8 June 2026 15:36 , Katie HawkinsonNew York City is offering free tickets to a Knicks watch party in Bryant Park tonight.
Fans can find details about securing their seats on the city’s website starting at noon today. This comes after officials announced that they would not allow a watch party outside Madison Square Garden.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday.
Other watch parties will be hosted throughout the city, including at Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl.
Watch: AOC slams Trump's plan to attend tonight's Knicks game
Monday 8 June 2026 15:20 , Katie HawkinsonRepresentative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit out at President Donald Trump over his expected attendance at Monday evening’s Knicks game.
Watch below:
Knicks star laments high ticket prices for Game 3
Monday 8 June 2026 15:00 , Katie HawkinsonKnicks star Josh Hart called out the sky-high ticket prices for tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
"I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” he told reporters Sunday.
"I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building. The cheapest ticket $7,000, $8,000. That’s ridiculous,” he added.
Season ticket holders debate watching game or taking advantage of resell prices
Monday 8 June 2026 14:53 , Katie HawkinsonKnicks season ticket holders are deciding whether to watch tonight’s highly anticipated match or take advantage of skyrocketing resale prices, according to The Washington Post.
The average resale ticket price is upwards of $8,000.
“A lot of fans are thinking, ‘Hey, this could be something. [But] these once-in-a-lifetime prices are also once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Alex Warner, CEO of resale platform Winventory, told the Post.
MSG unveils winners of Game 3 courtside seats
Monday 8 June 2026 14:44 , Katie HawkinsonMadison Square Garden unveiled the two winners of courtside seats for tonight’s match between the Knicks and the Spurs.
The law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital won the seats in an auction-style giveaway, according to the New York Post.
The proceeds will benefit the venue’s Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that supports young people in need.
Old video of Spurs star shooting hoops in NYC reemerges
Monday 8 June 2026 14:35 , Katie HawkinsonA 2023 video of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama shooting hoops in New York City reemerged this week, after a fan shared it in anticipation of tonight’s game, according to ABC 7.
The viral clip, shared by Austin Spruill, shows Wembanyama missing multiple baskets at Rucker Park in Manhattan.
“When Wemby comes to New York, he shoots bricks. I couldn’t believe he missed every shot,” Spruill said.
Knicks watch parties will continue elsewhere in city
Monday 8 June 2026 14:27 , Katie HawkinsonWhile New York City officials said they will not permit a Knicks watch party outside Madison Square Garden, fans can attend other events throughout the city.
This includes watch parties at Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bowl and Central Park.
Trump and Mamdani expected to attend NBA Finals game
Monday 8 June 2026 14:23 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
At a Monday morning press conference, officials outlined the heavy security measures for the highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Ticket holders should arrive two hours early and expect to go through a “TSA-style” security screening before entering the venue, officials said.
