President Donald Trump isn't exactly a fixture at basketball games, but he's got his eyes on the NBA Finals. When asked by reporters Wednesday whether he'd be showing up to watch the New York Knicks chase their first title in over five decades, Trump didn't hold back.
"I think I'll be going to one of their games," Trump said, confirming that he had originally planned to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But the Knicks had other ideas — they swept the Cavs in four games, ending the series before Trump could make his appearance.
The president's interest in the Knicks isn't entirely new. According to reports, Trump had been eyeing a surprise visit to Madison Square Garden for that potential Game 5, but after the sweep, he shifted his focus to the championship round. "I was invited — I was going to go on Wednesday, but they closed it out very quickly," Trump explained. He credited Knicks owner Jim Dolan for the team's success, calling it "a great year" and adding, "What a team!"
While some fans have mixed feelings about a presidential courtside presence, the buzz around Trump's potential appearance has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already electric postseason. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, are riding a wave of momentum after their dominant Eastern Conference run.
New York hasn't hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy since 1973, and the hunger is real. "We can get out of any situation," Towns said during the conference finals. "Regardless if it's a 2-9 run in the season or if it's a 22-point deficit in Game 1, as long as we continue to believe in the goal and continue to lean on each other."
The Knicks now have about a week to rest and prepare for their opponent — either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 3, and all eyes will be on whether Trump makes good on his promise to grab a seat.
For a team that's been through decades of ups and downs, the prospect of a presidential visit is just another sign that this season is different. As the Knicks gear up for the biggest stage, the cost of witnessing history hasn't dampened fan enthusiasm. And with Trump's confirmation, the Finals just got a little more political — and a lot more interesting.
