The New York Knicks are on the verge of basketball immortality, leading the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 in the NBA Finals and just two wins away from their first championship since 1973. But Monday night's Game 3 at Madison Square Garden comes with an unexpected wrinkle: the presence of former President Donald Trump, 79, which could throw the tipoff time into chaos.
The game is scheduled to tip off shortly after 8 p.m. ET, but history suggests punctuality may be a pipe dream. When Trump attended the U.S. Open final in Queens in 2015, the match started 30 minutes late, with many fans still scrambling to their seats. Now, with the added complexity of a packed arena in the heart of Manhattan, the potential for delays is even greater.
Madison Square Garden and the U.S. Secret Service have already announced a strict no-bag policy and enhanced security screenings, urging fans to arrive at least two hours early. The measures include TSA-style checks and a ban on most personal items, with no storage available for prohibited objects. The team's statement emphasized a commitment to safety, but the logistics are daunting: MSG sits atop Penn Station, one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, and the surrounding streets are notoriously tight.
Sports business analyst Darren Rovell voiced his skepticism on social media, predicting a significant delay. “Trump attending the U.S. Open Final resulted in the match starting 30 minutes late and much of the crowd still not in their seats at the start. I have no idea how Game 3 will start on time especially with the non-ticketed crowd hanging around the Garden steps,” he wrote. His concerns resonate with fans who remember the gridlock from that tennis event.
One fan echoed the frustration, pointing out the unique challenges of MSG’s location: “I wonder how far back they will push the crowd? How many streets will they have to close? MSG is not like most stadiums and arenas in the country… it’s on a city street over a train station! What about the people who take the train at Penn Station to commute back home from work??” The potential disruption to commuters and the surrounding neighborhood adds another layer of complexity.
Not everyone sees the delay as a negative, though. Some fans have cynically noted that a later start could benefit ABC, the network broadcasting the game, by stretching the telecast window for more commercials. Others have suggested that opening the Garden doors even earlier could help, but the core issue remains: the combination of a high-profile VIP, a dense urban setting, and a massive crowd is a recipe for timing trouble.
The Knicks' run has already sparked intense debate, with some fans urging Trump to stay away to avoid jinxing the team, while others, like center Mitchell Robinson, have expressed excitement about his courtside presence. Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: tipoff on Monday night will be anything but routine.
As the city braces for the spectacle, the question lingers: will the ball actually go up on time? If past is prologue, don't hold your breath.
