During Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a championship matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. As he appeared on the arena's Jumbotron during the national anthem, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden turned hostile, with a sell-out crowd erupting into loud jeers and boos. Despite the negative reception, Trump appeared unbothered, telling reporters later that he found the experience "amazing" and "very good."

The presidential visit brought significant disruption to Midtown Manhattan, where intense security measures, including metal fencing and restricted pedestrian zones, caused long delays for fans hoping to witness the Knicks' first home Finals appearance in 27 years. Many attendees expressed frustration, arguing that the security theater overshadowed a historic sporting event, while others noted that the president's presence felt like a distraction. Ultimately, the evening ended with a win for the Spurs, who defeated the Knicks 115-111, narrowing the series lead to 2-1.