United States President Donald Trump is set to attend Monday night’s NBA Finals Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. And even though he and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani might be on opposite ends of the political spectrum, Mamdani had some classy things to say about the president’s attendance at the game.
Ahead of Monday night’s showdown, Mamdani made it clear that while he won’t be sitting anywhere near Trump at the game, even if he does attend, Trump is welcome at The Garden, just like every other longtime New Yorker and Knicks fan.
Trump Attending Game 3
Earlier this week, Trump confirmed that he will indeed be attending an NBA Finals game this week after he was invited by Knicks owner Jim Dolan.
“I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan. He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win and he’s a competitive guy and he’s got a team that’s amazing. I don’t think they’ve lost a playoff game. Can you imagine that?” Trump said on Thursday.
“The answer is yes, he’s invited me and I’m going,” Trump said. “It could be Monday … maybe I’ll do both.”
The Knicks have since confirmed that Trump will attend Monday night’s Game 3, warning fans to arrive at the arena early due to the extra security.
Trump is set to make history as the first sitting president ever to attend an NBA Finals game.
Mamdani Sends a Message to Trump
While Mamdani and Trump obviously differ dramatically politically, they will be rooting for the same team on Monday, and Mamdani had some hospitable things to say about the president’s appearance at the game, indicating that Trump will be welcome just like any other New Yorker.
Mamdani has indicated that he plans to attend Monday night’s game as well, though he made it clear that if that is the case, he will not be sitting anywhere near Trump.
“I will be in a very different section of the stadium (than Trump),” Mamdani said at a news conference last week via The Athletic. “And I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship.”
Mamdani attended a Knicks playoff game earlier this spring, though instead of sitting in any sort of luxury box, he quietly sat in a seat in the upper deck of the arena with another city politician. This is rather on brand for Mamdani, who is regularly seen throughout the city using public transportation like the city’s subway system or the Citi Bikes throughout the city.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.