New York Knicks say NBA Finals Game 3 circus wasn’t the reason for their first loss in more than a month

The New York Knicks played in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and hosted President Trump. They say it’s not why they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals was literally unlike any other in league history.

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In addition to the New York Knicks playing in the championship round for the first time this century, President Donald Trump attended Monday’s game, becoming the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals matchup.

The combination of immense anticipation plus Trump’s presence created a unique atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. Fans who paid thousands of dollars for tickets waited in lines that stretched New York City streets to accommodate the security presence that Trump requires.