President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he plans to attend a New York Knicks NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden, after originally intending to attend a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup that never happened.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump confirmed reports that he had planned to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals before the Knicks wrapped up the series earlier than expected.
“I was invited to that,” Trump said. “I was going to go on Wednesday, but they closed it out very quickly.”
Trump praised Knicks owner James Dolan and the team’s postseason run while hinting that he will likely make an appearance at The Garden during the NBA Finals.
“Boy, what a team!” Trump said. “They win all their games. They have some great players. I think I’ll be going to one of the games. I was invited by numerous people, and Jim, and I think I’ll be going.”
The president also reflected on the franchise’s long struggles before its recent resurgence.
“It’s great to see it,” Trump said. “The Knicks have really suffered for years. They’re doing right now very good.”
Trump, a Queens native who has long described himself as a Knicks fan, has attended numerous sporting events over the years, including games at Madison Square Garden. While he frequently appears at major events such as UFC fights, college football games, and championship contests, a visit to a Knicks Finals game in Manhattan would likely generate significant attention.
The president has made sports appearances a regular part of his public schedule, attending events such as the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, the U.S. Open, and New York Yankees games during the past year. Earlier this year, he attended a UFC event in Miami and is reportedly planning another high-profile fight event as part of upcoming America 250 celebrations.
The Knicks secured their spot in the NBA Finals after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, continuing what has become one of the franchise’s most successful postseason runs in decades.
