Trump expected at Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals game in New York

President Donald Trump is expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday after receiving an invitation from New York Knicks owner James Dolan.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed he plans to be at the game as the Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in the best-of-seven championship series. The White House later included the visit in the president’s official schedule.

The matchup marks a major moment for New York basketball, with the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

The franchise is chasing its first championship since 1973, and excitement around the city has pushed ticket demand and prices sharply upward.

Security around Madison Square Garden is expected to increase significantly because of the presidential visit. Midtown Manhattan is likely to see tighter crowd control and traffic restrictions on game night.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver welcomed the president’s interest in the Finals, describing Trump as a longtime New Yorker and basketball fan.

Silver recalled seeing him at Knicks games years before he entered politics and noted that Trump once appeared in an NBA promotional campaign during the 2004-05 season.

The Knicks currently carry strong momentum into the series after opening with a road victory in San Antonio.

Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, also in New York, as the city hopes its team can take another step toward ending a title drought that has lasted more than five decades.