The New York Knicks are heading to Madison Square Garden for the next two games in the NBA Finals with a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs as they look to close out an NBA Championship on their home court. As if the moment could get any bigger, United States President Donald Trump is set to attend Monday night’s Game 3, becoming the first-ever sitting president to attend a Finals game.
Ahead of Trump’s appearance at the game, Knicks superstar Karl-Anthony Towns was asked about the president’s attendance at the game and the significance. And while he largely stayed away from speaking about Trump directly, it sounds like Towns is ready for the moment.
‘Hope Has Been Brought Back to the City’
During his press conference on Sunday afternoon, Towns was asked about Trump’s historic presence at the game on Monday night.
“I just wonder if you have any thoughts about the first president to ever come to a Finals game being at the Finals game tomorrow,” the reporter asked.
Towns chose not to say anything about Trump directly. Instead, he spoke about the team’s responsibility to perform on Monday night, and the “hope” that has been brought back to the city, as evidenced by the President of the United States being in attendance for such a monumental game.
“I mean, we’ve gotta be desperate for those fans,” Towns responded. “You know, the fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden. For this to be the first time in a long time that they’ve seen Finals basketball, it’s up to us to bring it – give them something to cheer for, give them something to get loud for, and also give them something to believe in.
“Hope has been brought back to the city – we’ve revitalized that word,” Towns continued. “But the word success hasn’t been seen in the city for a long time. So, we have to continue to fight to bring that word back to fruition.”
Fans Warned to Arrive Early
Ahead of Trump’s appearance at the game, the Knicks have issued a statement to fans on Saturday warning of the heightened security and the presence of the United States Secret Service.
“As we move closer to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, Madison Square Garden and the United States Secret Service want to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ticket holders by sharing important security procedures that will be in place,” the statement reads.
“A strict no-bag policy will be in effect, and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum. Fans should expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA-style screening procedures.”
The team is also warning guests to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow additional time for screening and entry.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.