Trump’s alleged – Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 8 at Madison Square Garden between the Knicks and the Spurs—prompting boos that spread online, and sparking fresh debate after videos suggested he may have been dozing off during the game.
Donald Trump was in the building on June 8—right in the middle of Madison Square Garden’s NBA Finals buzz—and the reaction to his presence spread fast online.
The 79-year-old, who attended Game 3 between the Knicks and the Spurs, was largely booed by fans at MSG. At the same time, clips circulating on social media raised a separate question: did Trump actually nod off while play continued?
The footage that’s been making the rounds shows Trump with noticeably drooping eyes as cameras cut back to him. But the videos don’t make it clear whether he was truly asleep or simply reacting quietly during the game.
Game 3 didn’t just pull attention from sports fans—it also turned the event into a political flashpoint across New York. Some attendees criticized the politician. pointing to the heightened security that came with his appearance and the extra stress that can mean for everyone in the crowd. Others showed support.
Trump wasn’t the only high-profile guest in attendance. Tina Fey, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Knicks superfan Timothée Chalamet were also at the game.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was there as well, though he didn’t sit near Trump. Mamdani, 34, told reporters that he paid around $1,000 for a standing ticket rather than a seat. When asked about a possible meeting with Trump at the game, Mamdani said, “I bought my tickets for nearly $1,000. And I’ll be standing for the duration of the game. … When it comes to the president. I don’t have any scheduled meeting with the president; however. I’m sure that our conversations will continue on how to serve this city.”.
Ticket prices for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden underscored why the event felt so high-stakes from the start, with costs ranging from $3,000 up to $20,000.
Social media also focused on the louder side of the crowd’s reaction. Yes—Trump received both cheers and boos from basketball fans at MSG. Multiple videos circulated online show loud boos when Trump’s face appeared on the Jumbotron.
One Instagram video shared by Fox News included basketball fans chanting “USA!” while Trump’s image was shown on screen.
The clips leaving fans arguing online captured two different moments—one that looks like a dozing possibility and another that clearly shows the crowd turning sharp—both happening under the same bright arena lights as the NBA Finals played out.
Donald Trump NBA Finals Knicks Spurs Madison Square Garden boos viral video Zohran Mamdani Tina Fey Ben Stiller Spike Lee Timothée Chalamet Jumbotron June 8 2026