Trump-Knicks live updates: Fans fume over canceled watch parties as courtside tickets sell for $1M

Trump-Knicks live updates: Fans fume over canceled watch parties as courtside tickets sell for $1M Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson will lead the Knicks as they face off against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this evening. Two major New York City firms split a $1 million bid for courtside seats at tonight’s highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The seats were auctioned off to benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that supports children in need. City officials also outlined the strict security measures for the game at a Monday morning press conference. This includes the decision to now allow a watch party outside the iconic venue in Midtown Manhattan, a move that left some fans fuming. “The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Other watch parties are still taking place across the city, including at Central Park and Bryant Park. Fans can also expect watch parties outside Madison Square Garden to return for Game 4. Ticket holders should arrive two hours early and expect a “TSA-style” security screening when entering the venue, officials have said. Karl-Anthony Towns dodges question on Trump visit, focuses on fans When asked about President Donald Trump’s plans to attend tonight’s NBA Finals game, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns dodged the question and instead highlighted the fans who he said have “earned the right” to watch the game live. “The fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden,” Anthony-Towns said. “For this to be the first game in a long time that they've seen finals basketball, it's up to us to bring it, give them something to cheer for, give them something to get loud for, and also give them something to believe in,” he added. Several fans on social media were delighted by his answer. “I love his answer. It’s about the fans!” one user commented on Instagram. “Smart way to think about it. Stay locked in to the mission,” another wrote. Watch: Trump says those who can’t afford NBA Finals tickets can watch on TV President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game, told reporters Americans who can’t afford tickets to the NBA Finals can “watch it on television.” Watch the moment below: Ann Coulter lashes out at Trump for attending Knicks game Right-wing commentator Ann Coulter lashed out at President Donald Trump, calling his decision to attend tonight’s Knicks game “narcissistic.” “Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst,” she wrote on X. $1M auction for courtside seats will help benefit charity for children Two major New York City firms split a $1 million bid for two courtside seats at tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game in an auction that will benefit a children’s charity. The winning bid — split by the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital — is the “single largest donation in the history of the foundation,” according to MSG Sports. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that helps children in need. “This $1 million donation will be an invaluable resource to continue to help shape the futures of the young people we serve,” MSG Sports CEO James Dolan said in a statement. NBA fans beg Trump to stay away from Knicks-Spurs Game 3 as ‘TSA-style’ security introduced: ‘We will lose if he comes’ Fans of the New York Knicks are begging Donald Trump to stay away from Game 3 of the NBA Finals after his plan to attend has prompted enhanced security measures and concerns of courtside tension. Keep reading: NBA fans go scorched earth on Trump attendance for Knicks-Spurs Game 3 Will Mamdani and Trump meet at tonight's game? President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are both attending tonight’s NBA Finals match, leaving many questioning whether the two will cross paths. When asked last week whether he has any plans to meet with the president, Mamdani told reporters they’ll be in “very different” parts of Madison Square Garden. “I can tell you that I'm planning to go to a Knicks game. I will be at Game 3. I will be in a very different section of the stadium,” Mamdani said Thursday. “And I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship,” he added. Trump praises Knicks and MSG Sports CEO President Donald Trump, a New York City native, praised the Knicks and MSG Sports CEO Jim Dolan while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office last week. “I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time. I’m also a Jim Dolan fan, he’s a nice guy,” Trump said. “He’s spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy, and he’s got a team that’s amazing,” he added. Watch his full remarks below: NYPD details Manhattan traffic closures for Knicks-Spurs game The New York Police Department detailed the traffic closures taking effect this afternoon for the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue starting at 4 p.m. local time. “No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there,” the department said. How to get free tickets for Bryant Park Knicks watch party New York City is offering free tickets to a Knicks watch party in Bryant Park tonight. Fans can find details about securing their seats on the city’s website starting at noon today. This comes after officials announced that they would not allow a watch party outside Madison Square Garden. “The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday. Other watch parties will be hosted throughout the city, including at Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl. Watch: AOC slams Trump's plan to attend tonight's Knicks game Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit out at President Donald Trump over his expected attendance at Monday evening’s Knicks game. Watch below: Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments