Donald Trump becomes first sitting US President to attend NBA Finals game

Donald Trump etched his name in history as the first sitting U.S. president to witness an NBA Finals game live. He attended Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Trump arrived shortly before tip-off and was seated in a high-security suite with family and officials.

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Trump was booed loudly by sections of the crowd when he appeared on the giant video screens during the national anthem.

His presence, however, elicited a divided response from the crowd. Sections of the audience booed loudly when Trump appeared on the video screens during the national anthem, though the jeers subsided when the American flag was displayed. The Knicks players, in contrast, received cheers from the home supporters.

The event required extraordinary security arrangements, with the NYPD and Secret Service establishing a wide perimeter around the arena. Fans faced enhanced security screenings, similar to airport procedures. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Trump's attendance, noting his long-standing support for the Knicks and the sport's unifying power.

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Trump's attendance prompted extraordinary security arrangements around Madison Square Garden.

Outside the arena, a small protest group voiced criticism of the president. The game itself, which the Knicks lead 2-0 in the series, also attracted a notable contingent of celebrities, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Derek Jeter, Jeremy Lin, Spike Lee, Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Tina Fey.

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump's attendance, describing him as a longtime Knicks supporter and highlighting the sport's ability to unite people despite political differences.