Stephen A. Smith says his issue with Donald Trump attending Game 3 of the Knicks vs. Spurs series is not about politics. It is about the atmosphere New York has built around the NBA Finals.
He made his feelings clear before Monday’s game at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks enter with a 2-0 series lead.
New York has turned this Finals run into more than basketball. Smith’s concern is that a presidential visit could shift the night away from the fans and toward security.
Stephen A. Smith explains Knicks NBA Finals Trump concern
Stephen A. Smith pushed back on X after some accused him of making Trump’s planned appearance a political issue.
“Grow the Hell up! I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the nyknicks and the vibe this city has going. Anyone who messes with that needs to not show up. It’s not about politics.”
That is the center of his argument. Smith is not saying Trump has no right to attend the game. He is saying the president’s presence could turn a Knicks night into a security operation.
That matters because fans were told to arrive two hours early because of enhanced security. For Smith, that is exactly the kind of disruption that can drain energy from a rare Garden moment.
Donald Trump NBA Finals visit adds MSG security pressure
Trump confirmed Thursday, June 4, that Knicks owner James Dolan had invited him to the Finals. He said he planned to attend and also suggested he could go to both Game 3 and Game 4.
Smith had already voiced his concern on SiriusXM, saying he did not want Trump there. His X post came after another user questioned why he objected to Trump but not other New York politicians.
Game 3 tips off Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET, with the Knicks trying to move within one win of a championship.
Add a sitting president, increased security and watch parties across New York, and the night becomes bigger than basketball.
That is what Smith is pushing back against. He wants the focus to stay on the Knicks, the Garden and a city chasing its first NBA title since 1973.
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