The New York Knicks faced a tough defeat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, ending their streak of 13 postseason victories. The game took place at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026. Spurs player Victor Wembanyama played a pivotal role during the second quarter.
Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing, highlighting the uneven number of free throw attempts between the two teams. However, many fans speculated online that a different factor might have influenced the loss: President Trump’s presence at the game.
This marked a historic moment as it was the first instance of a sitting president attending an NBA Finals game. Sports journalist Albert Samaha reported to NPR’s Morning Edition that Trump’s appearance on the jumbotron during the national anthem elicited louder boos from the crowd than the Spurs received upon entering the court.
In response, President Trump stated to reporters, “It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and very enthusiastic.” This comment reflects his perspective on the reception he received during the game.
NPR’s Michel Martin engaged with Albert Samaha for further insights on Game 3, the New York City crowd’s reaction, and expectations for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. To hear the full conversation, access the audio using the player above.
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