President Donald Trump has announced his intention to attend an NBA Finals game in New York next month, accepting an invitation from New York Knicks owner James Dolan. The series will bring the Eastern Conference champion Knicks to Madison Square Garden to face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs.
Trump's Plans for the Finals
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump revealed that Dolan extended the invitation after the Knicks completed a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals. New York, riding an 11-game postseason winning streak, is scheduled to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10. The president, a New York native, noted that he had initially planned to attend Game 5 of the conference finals before the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers in four games.
Trump's Praise for the Team
Trump described Dolan as a "great guy" and expressed admiration for the Knicks' playoff run. "Boy, what a team," he said. "They have some really great players." He called the team's return to the finals for the first time since 1999 "great to see," adding with a laugh, "The Knicks have really suffered for years. They're doing (well) right now."
History of Attending Sporting Events
Trump has a track record of attending high-profile sporting events during his political career. He has previously watched the College Football Playoff championship and attended a prime-time NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets just days before the 2024 election. The Knicks have a tradition of hosting celebrities courtside at Madison Square Garden, including filmmaker Spike Lee, who has had public disagreements with Trump in the past.
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