US President Donald Trump was booed during Game Three of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York, according to a report by Channels Television.
The incident occurred on Monday evening during the match between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, when Trump appeared on the arena’s big screen during the singing of the US national anthem. Fans inside the venue reportedly jeered the President while he watched from an executive suite.
The broadcast moment came amid heightened security measures around the iconic arena. Authorities restricted access to several surrounding blocks and banned outdoor watch parties near Madison Square Garden. Ticket holders were instructed to arrive hours early for airport-style screening, with bags prohibited inside the venue.
New York Police Department officials said the measures were necessary due to the presence of the US President. Secret Service personnel, alongside heavily armed police officers, were deployed across the area, with counter-drone systems also activated as part of the protection operation.
Despite the tension, the game proceeded, with the Spurs narrowly defeating the Knicks 115–111, cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2–1.
Public reaction in the city was mixed. Some residents and political figures criticised the disruption caused by the presidential visit, while others acknowledged his presence at the high-profile sporting event. Protests were also reported near the venue, with demonstrators expressing opposition to his visit.
The Knicks are chasing their first championship since 1973, and the series has drawn intense local and national attention.