New Yorkers are not being shy about sharing their opinions on Donald Trump’s planned appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, with one Knicks fan predicting the president may not receive a warm reception in his hometown.
MS NOW caught up with fans outside the Garden ahead of the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, as the franchise seeks its first championship since 1973 while holding a 2-0 series lead.
“New York’s been suffering long enough without a championship,” one fan told MS NOW. “[Trump] could stay out and we can maybe get through this one without any bad luck.”
Last week, the president told reporters he was a “big fan” of the team and had been invited to attend by owner James Dolan.
Trump’s visit means enhanced security measures will be in place at the Garden and the surrounding area. Officials announced that plans for a watch party outside the venue were not allowed to move forward, a decision the NYPD says it made in coordination with the Secret Service.
The New York City police commissioner said the traditional watch parties at the team’s home court will resume Wednesday for Game 4.
One Knicks supporter told MS NOW that he thought Trump’s visit would cause a “distraction” from the game. “We want the win. We’re focused on basketball and nothing more,” he said.
Another questioned why the president, who has frequently criticized New York City and its leadership, would want to return to his hometown, telling MS NOW, “New York is filled with such diversity, and a lot of the stuff that he doesn’t stand for is here. So, why is he coming here?”