Key Points
- Ticketholders were told to arrive two hours before the game for airport-level security screening.
- Counter-drone technology, deployed by the Secret Service, were among many measures taken to protect the US president.
US President Donald Trump was booed during an NBA Finals game in New York on Tuesday, as his attendance prompted ultra-tight security.
Fans jeered the Republican leader, who was watching the game from an executive suite, when he appeared on screen inside the Madison Square Garden arena during the national anthem.
Security measures were hiked for the visit, with authorities barring fans without tickets from coming within several blocks of the venue.
They also banned watch parties directly outside the Manhattan venue — a break from the first two playoff games between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, which drew jubilant crowds.
Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8.30 pm tip-off to clear airport-style security screening. Bags were not allowed inside.
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The Spurs edged the Knicks 115-111, cutting the New York team's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven championship series.
Ahead of the game, journalists from the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency saw a three-metre fence around parts of Madison Square Garden and a large presence of Secret Service personnel.
The agents, some heavily armed, were accompanied by hundreds of NYPD officers as crowds gathered on streets near the venue and at public viewing areas elsewhere in the city.
'Leave us alone!'
Some New Yorkers and Democratic politicians criticised Trump for the inconvenience.
"During one of the best moments NYC has enjoyed in decades, [Trump] makes it all about himself. Trump should LEAVE US ALONE! He's not wanted here," Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
As Trump's convoy travelled through New York to Madison Square Garden, some protesters held signs saying "Trump must go." At least two people raised their middle fingers at the vehicles.
Knicks fan Anthony Pulley, 43, told AFP he appreciated Trump coming to the game even if he found the disruption annoying.
"I think it sucks. I think it really put a damper on all the watch parties. But it's pretty cool he wants to show up and be a part of it," he said.
The Knicks, chasing their first basketball championship since 1973, have whipped up a feverish following in the largest US city.
'Protect the president'
Ticket prices for Monday's game were out of reach for most New Yorkers, but the self-proclaimed "World's Most Famous Arena" was still packed to the rafters, with celebrity fans courtside.
Among those attending was New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, who told reporters he paid nearly US$1,000 ($1,400) for his tickets.
The Secret Service deployed counter-drone technology as part of its operation to protect the US leader, who has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years.
Trump, a long-time Knicks fan and native New Yorker, last visited Madison Square Garden in November 2024 to watch a UFC fight after his election victory. He earlier held a campaign rally at the venue.
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