The New York Knicks dropped Game 3 of the NBA Finals at home, and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has a surprising theory about why. According to the three-time Pro Bowler, the fans at Madison Square Garden are the ones to blame—not the players or the coaching staff.
Bryant took to social media after the Knicks fell to the San Antonio Spurs, pointing a finger directly at the crowd for booing President Donald Trump during the national anthem. “That’s what you Knicks fans get for hating on President Trump,” the former All-Pro wrote, making it clear he believes the hostile reception cost New York the game.
The moment unfolded before tipoff on Monday night when Trump appeared on the big screen alongside his granddaughter Kai and Knicks owner James Dolan. Videos from the arena captured a chorus of boos from the crowd, a reaction that quickly went viral. Bryant wasn't the only one watching—and he wasn't shy about sharing his take.
President Trump, however, saw things differently. In comments after the game, he claimed the response was overwhelmingly positive. “I thought it was amazing, actually,” Trump said. “You mean when they had the camera on me? I thought it was very good. It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud and it was very enthusiastic.”
The loss puts the Knicks in a 2-1 series hole after they had seized momentum with two wins in San Antonio. Now, all the energy they built has been neutralized by a Spurs team that looked sharp on the road. But New York head coach Mike Brown isn't pressing the panic button just yet.
“I tell the guys, it’s a seven-game series for a reason. They are a great team,” Brown said. “There are some things that we can control that I didn’t think that we controlled tonight. And then like I said, maybe we fouled 24 times, but I’m baffled that they only fouled eight in the second half.”
Brown’s frustration with the officiating was clear, but he kept the focus on what his squad can fix. With Game 4 set for Wednesday night at MSG, the Knicks have a chance to even things up before heading back to Texas. A win would put them firmly in the driver's seat, while a loss would leave them fighting to stay alive.
Off the court, the drama around the game continues to swirl. Trump's absence from Game 4 has already become a talking point, and Kai Trump firing back at critics adds another layer to the story. Meanwhile, the arrest of 21 fans after a watch party shows tensions are running high in the city.
Tipoff for Game 4 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Knicks will need to block out the noise—and the boos—if they want to get back on track.
