Trump invited – President Donald Trump says Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to attend the team’s NBA Finals home games at Madison Square Garden, as New York rides an 11-game postseason winning streak and prepares to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is already eyeing the postseason lights at Madison Square Garden.
In remarks to reporters on Wednesday. Trump said Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to watch the NBA Finals in person. with New York set to host either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs next month. The Knicks. the Eastern Conference champions. are riding an 11-game postseason winning streak after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals.
New York’s schedule at MSG is clear: Game 3 is set for June 8, followed by Game 4 on June 10.
Trump, a New York native, said he originally planned to attend Game 5 of the conference finals at MSG before the Knicks closed out the Cavaliers in four games. When asked about the run, Trump called Dolan a “great guy,” and marveled at what the Knicks have done.
“Boy, what a team,” Trump said. “They have some really great players.”
He also framed the moment as a long-awaited return. Trump called New York’s first trip back to the finals since 1999 “great to see,” and noted, to laughter, that the franchise “have really suffered for years.”
The president’s interest in major sporting events is nothing new during his time in politics. Trump has taken in the College Football Playoff championship and attended a prime-time NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets just days before the 2024 election.
At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ courtside spotlight also comes with history. The arena has welcomed high-profile celebrities in past playoff runs, including filmmaker Spike Lee, who has clashed with Trump in the past.
For the Knicks, the invitation adds another layer to a season defined by momentum — and for Trump, it signals an up-close look at a team that’s been running hot long before any date was circled on the calendar.
Donald Trump New York Knicks James Dolan NBA Finals Madison Square Garden Oklahoma City Thunder San Antonio Spurs Cleveland Cavaliers Eastern Conference