NEW YORK (AP) — The excitement surrounding the Knicks has transformed Game 3 of the NBA Finals matchup with San Antonio into a can’t-miss spectacle — both within Madison Square Garden and throughout the streets and establishments of New York City.
The Knicks haven’t reached the finals since 1999, and with their current 2-0 series advantage, their initial home contest of this championship round has become an extremely coveted ticket. Entry-level pricing now surpasses what most people pay monthly for housing in America’s largest city.
By Sunday night, the most affordable upper-level tickets were selling for more than $6,000 through resale platforms including StubHub, SeatGeek and VividSeats. Those seeking courtside access faced prices exceeding $75,000.
“I don’t care who you are, that’s a lot of money for a ticket,” said guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native who was planning a viewing party in Brooklyn and pointed out his Queens high school also is hosting one. “People that could afford it, we’re grateful with them coming out, and it just shows you our team is really special and we’re doing something here that hasn’t been done in a long time.”
The team stands just two wins from capturing their first title since 1973, and the excitement surrounding Game 3 features expected visits from President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Trump’s attendance resulted in the cancellation of a planned outdoor viewing event near the venue, where supporters have congregated during this remarkable playoff journey that featured a 13-game victory streak.
“Hope has been brought back to the city,” center Karl-Anthony Towns said. Teammate Josh Hart expects “it’s going to be rocking” but lamented the high cost just to get into the Garden.
“I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” Hart said. “I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building.”
No NBA squad has ever taken a 2-0 finals lead away from home and failed to claim the championship. The prospect of a four-game sweep pushed individual ticket costs above $10,000, with a potential Game 6 carrying similar pricing.
Fewer than 20,000 individuals will have the chance to attend each contest. Alvarado understands many more will be tuning in via television throughout the region.
“The people that can’t afford it, we improvise,” he said. “We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”
