James Dolan says Donald Trump was ‘very much awake’ after viral NBA Finals sleeping accusations

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James Dolan has pushed back on the viral claim that Donald Trump fell asleep during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Trump attended Knicks vs Spurs on Monday, June 8, after being invited by the Knicks owner for New York’s first home Finals game in 27 years.

The appearance quickly became its own storyline, from heavy security and loud boos to a clip that appeared to show Trump with his eyes closed during the game.

James Dolan denies Donald Trump NBA Finals sleeping claim

SNY Knicks shared Dolan’s response after the Trump sleeping accusation spread across social media.

Supporting Trump’s version of the night, Dolan said: “I was with him the whole time. We were talking the whole time. He was very much awake, he was very much engaged.”

Dolan also defended the significance of Trump attending the game, saying: “That’s the first sitting president of the United States to ever go to an NBA Final. That is a huge honor. And he’s a New Yorker. Whatever you think about him, he’s a Knicks fan. People don’t want to hear this, I think he’s a great guy. I love — I’ve known him for over 30 years, but I’m not going to go on this show and start espousing the president.

The remarks came during Dolan’s Wednesday appearance on WFAN’s The Carton Show.

Donald Trump sleeping clip became Game 3 talking point

The accusation began after viral footage appeared to show Trump sitting with his eyes closed during the game.

Reports described the clip as brief and disputed. Some online critics said he was asleep, while Dolan and the White House rejected that interpretation.

San Antonio beat New York 115-111, cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, while Jalen Brunson scored 32 for the Knicks.

Trump is not expected back for Game 4, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks still lead, but Game 3 became remembered for much more than the scoreboard.