Stephen A. Smith warned that Donald Trump’s expected trip to Madison Square Garden could turn New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs Game 3 into an even bigger logistical storm.
The Knicks’ first home NBA Finals game in 27 years was already going to stretch New York’s energy to its limit. Trump’s reported attendance adds another layer of security, traffic, and national attention around a night that did not need more chaos.
Smith made clear his concern was not political. His issue was the disruption around the Garden, especially with Knicks fans preparing for one of the loudest nights in franchise history.
Stephen A. Smith warns Donald Trump could disrupt New York Knicks Game 3
Stephen A. Smith on YouTube said Donald Trump’s planned NBA Finals appearance at Madison Square Garden could complicate a night already loaded with emotion and pressure.
“He’s coming to Game three of the Finals, and I don’t want him there. It has nothing to do with politics, policy, or anything like that,” Smith said.
He added, “It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that’s going to be existing at Madison Square Garden.”
The warning fits the setting. Trump is reportedly planning to attend Game 3 on Monday, June 8, after being invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, with the visit expected to bring a major security footprint to Midtown Manhattan.
Stephen A. Smith uses Barack Obama example for Donald Trump warning
Smith also said his message would be the same for any president, using Barack Obama as the clearest example of how strongly he wants the night protected from extra disruption.
“If it were Barack Obama coming to the Garden, I would say, ‘Stay home.’ Stay at the White House… I have been covering sports for over 30 years,” Smith continued.
“And I’m telling you right now, come Monday, for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, I expect to see an environment I have never seen in my entire career covering sports,” he concluded.
The Knicks already lead the series 1-0 after winning Game 1, and the Garden will be desperate to push them closer to a first championship since 1973. Smith’s fear is that the presidential visit could turn a historic basketball night into a Midtown traffic and security nightmare.
Trump may be a longtime Knicks fan, but Smith’s message was simple. On this particular night, the spectacle around the game is already more than enough.
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