President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that he intends to attend an NBA Finals matchup at Madison Square Garden next week, accepting an invitation from the team’s ownership.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed his enthusiasm as a devoted supporter of both the franchise and owner James Dolan. He indicated his attendance would likely occur during Game 3 on Monday, though he hasn’t eliminated the possibility of also appearing at Game 4 on Wednesday.
“The answer is yes — he’s invited me, I’m going,” Trump stated regarding Dolan’s invitation. “Maybe I’ll do both.”
According to the NBA, Trump would become the first sitting president to witness an NBA Finals contest in person. The president described himself as a “big fan” of both the team and its owner.
Despite managing ongoing military conflicts in Iran, congressional tensions, and approaching midterm elections, Trump made time to watch portions of Wednesday’s Game 1, where the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to take an early series advantage.
“I missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now, but I watched that end of the game and they were dominant,” Trump explained. “Really amazing.”
During a press availability following an event promoting his administration’s coal industry initiatives, Trump provided his own analysis of the game’s outcome. He noted the contest “wasn’t looking good” initially for the Knicks but praised their defensive strategy against Victor Wembanyama, the imposing Spurs center.
“I say, how do you guard this guy? He’s 7-foot-5 and he’s got a great shot, right? But they find a way to do it. They’re really great.”
Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that no previous sitting president has attended NBA Finals games, though some former presidents have been in attendance. Silver recalled Trump’s long-standing connection to the franchise from before his political career began.
“Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan,” Silver noted. “I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden.”
The commissioner emphasized themes of unity through sports, building on comments he made Wednesday when reports first emerged about Trump’s potential attendance.
“We can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart,” Silver said. “We’re seeing that in New York and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team.”
Silver acknowledged that presidential security requirements will create additional logistical challenges and likely cause delays for fans entering and leaving Madison Square Garden.
“I think the fans are very understanding of that,” Silver said. “I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event.”
