Trump’s presence at the game had already sparked major controversy, even before tip-off, as enhanced security measures in and around Madison Square Garden caused severe delays for fans. In a statement posted to social media on Saturday, the Knicks advised fans to arrive at the arena two hours before tip-off to undergo “TSA-style screening.”
Online critics also praised Knicks fans for raining down a chorus of boos when the president was shown on the arena’s Jumbotron. Some questioned why Trump would attend the game knowing full well what would happen. Even the Trump-friendly New York Post shared a video from inside the arena and noted that Trump was “booed during National Anthem of NBA Finals Game 3.”