Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox shades heightened MSG security for Trump’s Game 3 attendance

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The presidential-sized security blanket wrapped around Madison Square Garden for Donald Trump's NBA Finals has irked not only fans but also the players.

All-Star San Antonio Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox complained about extra security procedures around the Garden due to the President attending Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs on Monday, June 08.

In addition to TSA-style screening and road closures from West 30th to West 35th Streets between Sixth and Eighth Avenues, fans encountered a fortified security perimeter around Madison Square Garden ahead of Trump's visit.

Backpacks, bags, and alcohol will not be permitted within the perimeter, except for travelers going to Penn Station.

Fox says Trump’s attendance makes it 'inconvenient for everybody'

Speaking with media from courtside about the player experience after arriving at Madison Square Garden early Monday, Fox noted that accessing the arena was "like getting screened by TSA."

"I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else," Fox said. "We've got more, obviously more security. We've got to send stuff early, I think our buses are a little earlier.” 

The 28-year-old Spurs star, who won the NBA’s inaugural Clutch Player of the Year award in 2023,  noted that the Secret Service was so strict that even his Chapstick lid wasn’t allowed inside.

“The less stuff you can bring, the better,” Fox said, laughing. “Obviously, we’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that have to play, but it is what it is.”

“It’s New York, so regardless of who’s here, you know it’s gonna be loud, it’s gonna be rowdy,” he said. “You know when you come here, and you go against this team, regardless of when they’re good or if they’re not, it’s gonna be a building that comes ready to support the team.”

Extreme security restrictions over Trump's NBA Finals visit

Unlike previous Knicks playoff games, the NYPD has cancelled watch parties outside MSG as Trump's attendance prompted an extensive security operation.

A multi-block security perimeter shut down access to vehicles and unauthorized pedestrians, while fans entering the arena faced TSA-style screenings and a strict no-bag policy.

The heightened measures were felt throughout the day. Arena employees arriving hours before tipoff encountered perimeter fencing surrounding the venue and lengthy entry lines, with some reports indicating staff waited nearly an hour to enter the building as early as 9:25 am.

On-site media members also reported losing access to areas typically available before games. Ahead of Game 3, the Knicks warned attendees to arrive at least two hours early due to "enhanced security measures" involving the US Secret Service.

As crowds began arriving, they were met with multiple checkpoints and lines stretching for blocks around Madison Square Garden.