Trump set to attend historic NBA Finals showdown as Madison Square Garden turns into fortress

After waiting nearly three decades for an NBA Finals home game, Knicks fans flooded the streets around Madison Square Garden hours before tipoff. Dressed in blue and orange, supporters packed bars, sidewalks and subway stations, turning Midtown Manhattan into a sea of Knicks jerseys as the city prepared for one of its biggest basketball nights in years.

The game is more than just basketball. President Donald Trump's attendance made headlines nationwide, as he is set to become the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game. He has already attended several major sporting events in his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup.

With President Donald Trump expected at Madison Square Garden for NBA Finals Game 3, security has been significantly increased. Fans will face Secret Service-style screening, a strict no-bag policy, street closures, and longer entry times. Officials advise ticket holders to arrive at least two hours early.

The excitement of the NBA Finals has driven up ticket prices. Demand for Game 3 tickets soared as fans scrambled for a chance to witness history at Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks chasing their first NBA title since 1973, even the cheapest tickets available on the resale platform StubHub are topping $9,000 as of Saturday night.

NBA fans' excitement also suffered a major blow as authorities scuttled an NBA Finals watch party near Madison Square. 'There will be no watch party outside MSG. This decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service,' the department confirmed in the statement. The department also insisted that Trump’s visit is the leading cause behind the cancellation of the watch party.