Madison Square Garden will implement enhanced, TSA-style security screening for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The New York Knicks announced the measures ahead of Donald Trump’s planned attendance for the crucial matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, urging fans to arrive at least two hours before tip-off.
The Knicks enter the first home game of the series with a commanding 2-0 lead over the Spurs, seeking the franchise’s first championship since 1973. The team is on a 13-game postseason winning streak, and now returns to a home crowd with history within its grasp. The heightened security protocols, including a strict no-bag policy, are a direct result of a sitting president attending the game.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the necessity of the arrangements. “There should be extra security for the president of the United States to be at a game, but I think the fans are very understanding of that,” Silver stated. He added, “I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event.”
Donald Trump confirmed he would be at the game at the invitation of Knicks owner James Dolan. “[Dolan] has invited me, and I’m going. I’ll be there. It could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both [Game 3 and Game 4]… ” Trump said. He also praised the team’s performance during their playoff run. “[The Knicks] find a way to do it. They’re really great, a great team. I’m happy for Jim [Dolan] because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team.”
