President Donald Trump says he plans to attend an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he received an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, though he isn't sure which game he will attend.
"I think I'll be going to one of the games," Trump said. "I was invited by numerous people and Jim [Dolan], and I think I'll be going."
Knicks Reach First Finals Since 1999
The Knicks completed a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, advancing to the Finals for the first time since 1999. They are awaiting their opponent as the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the San Antonio Spurs 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals.
Regardless of who emerges from the West, the Knicks will host Games 3 and 4 on June 8 and 10, respectively. Game 6, if needed, would take place at Madison Square Garden on June 16.
As a New York City native, Trump would have three opportunities to attend a game. If he attends, Trump would become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Presidential Basketball History
While no sitting president has ever attended an NBA Finals game, former President Barack Obama attended courtside for several NBA games. He attended Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors.
While in office, Obama attended a Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls game in 2009 and a season-opening meeting between the Bulls and Cavaliers in 2015.
Trump has regularly attended major sporting events during his presidency, including the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami in January and Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans last year.
Knicks' Dominant Playoff Run
Trump originally planned to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Knicks swept Cleveland in just four games.
"I was going to go on Wednesday but they closed it out very quickly," Trump said. "Boy, what a team, they've won all their games. They have some great players. The Knicks have really suffered for years."
The Knicks are currently on an 11-game win streak, dating back to Game 3 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. They have outscored opponents by 262 points during that span, with a plus-19.4 point differential—the best mark of any team entering the NBA Finals.