Trump courts boos at historic New York NBA Finals appearance

In PicturesSaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkUS President Donald Trump attends Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. [Ross D Franklin/AP Photo]By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP, AP and ReutersPublished On 9 Jun 20269 Jun 2026Donald Trump’s appearance courtside at Madison Square Garden was supposed to be a historic moment, as, for the first time, a sitting president of the United States was attending an NBA Finals game.Instead, his arrival became part of the story, drawing boos from sections of the crowd and triggering a massive security operation that reshaped the atmosphere around the storied New York arena on Monday night.Trump watched from an executive suite as the New York Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs in a series that gripped the city and revived memories of the Knicks’ glory years.When his image flashed up on the big screen during the national anthem, many fans jeered, underlining how sharply divided the country remains even in a space usually reserved for shared celebration.Outside, Manhattan’s streets were locked down. Metal fencing, airport-style screening and a heavy Secret Service and police presence kept ticketless fans blocks away.Long queues formed as supporters queued early, while others gathered at public viewing areas across the city.Inside, however, the spectacle went on. Hollywood actors, musicians, former players and New York fixtures filled the front rows, turning the event into a star-studded night out.Between the celebrity sightings, the political undertones and a tense 115-111 Spurs win, this was a New York basketball night unlike any other – on and off the court.People watch as President Donald Trump’s motorcade passes on its way to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York, US. [Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo]Fans arrive for the NBA Finals Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. [Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo]Secret Service agents stand guard outside Madison Square Garden before the game. [Ryan Murphy/AP Photo]New Yorkers line the street as Trump’s motorcade heads to Madison Square Garden. [Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo]Trump attends Game 3 of the NBA Finals with granddaughter Kai Trump. [Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo]New York Knicks fans cheer at a watch party during the game. [Ryan Murphy/AP Photo]Filmmaker Spike Lee, left, and comedian Dave Chappelle arrive for the game. [Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo]Timothee Chalamet, right, and Ben Stiller cheer. [Ross D Franklin/AP Photo]San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (#5) tries to get a shot off against the New York Knicks. [Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo]Former NBA player Jeremy Lin, left, and filmmaker Spike Lee pose for a photo before the game. [Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo]Action during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. [Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo]Fans block Eighth Avenue outside Madison Square Garden. [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters]New York police officers move in to disperse fans on Eighth Avenue. [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters]