Knicks fans burn sage outside MSG after blaming Trump for Finals loss

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Knicks fans are known for their passion, superstition and loyalty, but on Wednesday, June 10, some supporters took things a step further by staging a sage-burning ritual outside Madison Square Garden to rid the area of what they described as "bad Trump energy."

Hours before Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, fans gathered near the arena carrying signs, burning sage and voicing frustration over both the team's recent loss and the heavy security measures that remained in place around the venue.

For some, President Donald Trump's appearance at Game 3 earlier this week had become the unlikely explanation for the Knicks' sudden change in fortune.

Knicks fans say Trump brought ‘bad energy’ to Madison Square Garden

At around 3 PM, several fans were seen cleansing the area with copal and sage in hopes of bringing better luck to the hometown team.

"We're saging the Madison!" said Deisy, a Knicks supporter dressed in orange and blue while surrounded by ceremonial ornaments.

"We had really bad energy in this space on Monday. MAGA Mussolini was here and we gotta get rid of that energy!"

The comment was directed at Trump, who became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday night.

His appearance sparked strong reactions inside Madison Square Garden, where many fans booed when he appeared on the Jumbotron during the National Anthem.

Later, social media users circulated videos that they claimed showed Trump falling asleep during the game while seated alongside Knicks owner James Dolan and his granddaughter, Kai Trump.

The White House pushed back against those claims, with spokesperson Davis Ingle saying, "Anyone ridiculously claiming the President was asleep is either lying or has severe brain damage."

Supporters call Donald Trump a ‘curse’ after Knicks lose Game 3

Following New York's Game 3 defeat after opening the Finals with a 2-0 series lead, some fans pointed directly at Trump.

"He's a curse to every team that he picks," said Knicks supporter Avery while holding a sign reading, "F*ck Trump. Let's go Knicks."

"He picked the Chiefs to win. They lost. He went to a Mets game. They lost. He went to the Knicks game, picked them to win. We lost."

Others described Trump's presence as bringing "bad voodoo," "weird energy" and even creating tensions that had not previously existed among fans.

While not everyone shared those beliefs, the theory became part of the conversation surrounding Game 4 as crowds gathered outside the arena.

Security barriers around Madison Square Garden spark frustration

Beyond basketball superstitions, many fans were upset about the extensive security measures surrounding Madison Square Garden.

A massive 12-block security perimeter initially established for Trump's visit remained in place Wednesday, limiting access around the arena.

The restrictions also affected local businesses and vendors hoping to capitalize on Finals crowds.

Sadat, one of many merchants selling Knicks merchandise nearby, said the barriers hurt business.

"When you have to walk three blocks this way, four blocks that way, it makes a difference," he said.

The restrictions also led to the cancellation of a planned watch party near the arena.

Madison Square Garden had requested a permit for hundreds of fans, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city approved an event for 999 attendees.

However, Knicks owner James Dolan later decided to cancel the gathering.

"Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party," Mamdani wrote on X. "I know this is breaking hearts across our city, but if there's one thing Knicks fans don't need permission for, it's showing up for our team wherever we may be - no matter the block or the borough. Knicks in five."