Donald Trump’s arrival at Madison Square Garden added another loud moment to an NBA Finals night that was already carrying more attention than a normal Game 3.
With the New York Knicks leading the San Antonio Spurs 2-0, every scene outside the arena was being watched almost as closely as the action inside.
That made the reaction to Trump’s motorcade stand out. After days of talk about delays, restrictions, and the possibility of a hostile reception, the first visible response outside MSG was not as one-sided as many expected.
Donald Trump gets cheers outside Madison Square Garden before New York Knicks Game 3
Eric Daugherty on X shared footage of Donald Trump’s motorcade arriving outside Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The clip showed Trump waving as the motorcade reached the arena, with many fans outside MSG reacting with cheers. There appeared to be some mixed noise in the background, but the visible moment was driven largely by a loud welcome from people gathered nearby.
Trump had flown in before heading to the Garden, where his attendance created one of the most unusual security setups for an NBA Finals game.
Fans had already dealt with road closures, barricades, strict screening, and canceled outdoor watch-party plans. Even with those frustrations, the arrival itself produced a louder positive response than expected outside the building.
Donald Trump reaction surprises before New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs tip off
The reaction was surprising because the build-up had focused heavily on the possibility of boos. New York’s political atmosphere, the security disruption, and the canceled fan gatherings all created the expectation that Trump could face a rough welcome.
That may still happen inside Madison Square Garden, where the full crowd response will be easier to judge once he is shown during the game. Outside the arena, though, the early scene was more favorable than many predicted.
It also added another subplot to a night already packed with them. The Knicks are trying to move within one win of a championship, the Spurs are trying to save their series, and Trump’s visit has turned the event into something bigger than basketball logistics.
For now, the motorcade moment showed that the reception was not simply hostile. Before tipoff, at least, Trump was met with plenty of cheers outside MSG.
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