The NBA Finals are finally in New York, and the city is buzzing—but not everyone is thrilled about one high-profile guest. President Trump is set to attend Game 3 between the Knicks and their opponent at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, and the move has drawn sharp criticism from a familiar face on sports television.
David Dennis Jr., a longtime contributor to ESPN’s now-canceled “Around the Horn,” didn’t hold back his frustration. In a blistering post on X, he called out the president for what he sees as a privilege that comes at the expense of everyday fans.
“This the quintessential story of how sports reflects the state of the world,” Dennis wrote. “Thousands of fans have waited for Game 3 their whole lives and now they’re priced out of entering the game and can’t even celebrate outside because one billionaire gets to attend the game for free.”
His comments echo a broader sentiment among some Knicks supporters who have voiced concerns over Trump jinxing their finals run. While the president grew up in New York, his basketball loyalties have rarely centered on the Knicks, making his courtside presence feel more like a political photo op than a genuine fan moment.
The Knicks have confirmed that security will be significantly ramped up for the game. In coordination with the U.S. Secret Service, MSG will enforce a strict no-bag policy and TSA-style screening at all entrances. Fans are being urged to arrive at least two hours early and to leave all non-essential items at home. There will be no storage available for prohibited items, and the watch parties typically held outside the arena may be disrupted or relocated.
Dennis’s critique hits at a deeper tension: the intersection of wealth, politics, and sports. While millions of fans scramble for tickets that cost a small fortune, the president gets a prime seat without paying a dime. For Dennis, that’s not just a security headache—it’s a symbol of a broken system.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s Finals appearance has sparked debate. Jimmy Kimmel torched Trump in a monologue last week, and Stephen A. Smith publicly urged him to stay home. Even Knicks guard Josh Hart hasn’t shied away from calling the situation “childish.”
Game 3 is scheduled to tip off after 8 p.m. ET on Monday, airing on ABC. For fans lucky enough to have tickets, the advice is simple: pack light, show up early, and brace for a night where the action off the court might be just as heated as the game itself.
