Knicks, Spurs players react as President Trump's Game 3 visit to MSG brings tighter security

Massive security preparations are underway for NBA Finals Game 3 in New York City due to Donald Trump's planned attendance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump's visit. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a "frozen zone" around Madison Square Garden, leading to fan advisories and a no-bag policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses these heightened security measures following a recent Penn Station stabbing.

Madison Square Garden is not playing around with President Donald Trump's attendance at Game 3.

Security has been amped up, and it's rubbing some players the wrong way as the arena braces for its highest-profile guest yet.

Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed appreciation for Trump's attendance, acknowledging it is a bona fide ratings boost.

U.S. President Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Players such as Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox and Knicks forward OG Anunoby don't sound nearly as excited.

SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TRANSFORM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP'S NBA FINALS VISIT

Fox shared ahead of Game 3 in New York City that the heightened security at MSG has become something of a nuisance.

"I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else," Fox said Monday. "We got, obviously, more security. We gotta send stuff early. I think our buses are a little earlier."

"We’re getting screened like it’s TSA," Fox added. "It’s a little inconvenient for the people that got to play, but it is what it is."

Fans attending Game 3 will also undergo additional security screenings due to Trump's appearance.