The team had been on a historic 13-game winning streak in this year’s playoffs going into Monday night’s contest, but couldn’t hold off the scrappy San Antonio Spurs. The series is now 2-1 in favor of the Knicks heading into Game 4 in New York on Wednesday.
Trump’s attendance at Madison Square Garden ahead of the game required additional security measures at the arena and forced fans to arrive two hours early to go through “TSA-style security,” according to a statement from the Knicks on Saturday. It also led to the free watch party outside the venue being canceled.
Not surprisingly, Trump was heartily booed when he appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem. He then appeared to nod off during part of the game.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith seemed to forecast the reaction to Trump’s attendance at the game if the Knicks didn’t bring home the win.
“If they lose tonight, I’m looking right at him,” Smith said. “I’m saying it, it’s just me. I’m blaming him. I’m blaming the president of the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight.”
Critics took to social media after the Knicks’ loss to slam Trump for attending the game: