ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith on Saturday sharply criticized President Trump’s decision to attend Monday’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, arguing that the president’s presence will “ruin the vibe” of what should be a citywide celebration.
Smith fired back at a user on X who accused him of having “no problem with Commie Mamdani taking the city over,” a reference to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The sports personality didn’t hold back in his response.
“Grow the Hell up!” Smith wrote. “I have a problem with any politician – any politician – that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the @nyknicks and the vibe this city has going.”
He doubled down, adding that anyone “who messes with that needs to not show up.” Smith concluded, “It’s not about politics. Take that b.s. take somewhere else. Not today. Not now!”
Trump confirmed Thursday that he accepted an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, saying, “I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan.” The president noted he watched part of Wednesday’s game but “missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now,” referencing the ongoing conflict with Iran. The White House’s focus on foreign policy is evident in Trump’s push for a cease-fire between Israel and Iran.
The security demands for a sitting president have forced the cancellation of the official watch party outside MSG and prompted a raft of new security measures. Tickets for the game are now selling for upward of $8,000, reflecting both the historic nature of the Knicks’ first finals appearance in 27 years and the logistical headaches Trump’s visit creates.
New York Democrats were quick to voice their displeasure. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Instagram that Trump’s appearance “already has been a vibe-killer because now the city has to shut down all the MSG watch parties outside the arena.” She added, “As a politician, I’ve gone to my fair amount of sports games. There are just some things that – you don’t want to go either to jinx it or just in general. Sometimes the accommodations that are required for the security just for you to show up are not worth shutting down for other people.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told CNN he wasn’t sure “it’s going to be a good reception” for the president. “But why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing, like literally the Knicks haven’t been in the finals for 27 years, the city is trying to celebrate,” Jeffries said. “We’re trying to embrace this and this guy has to inject himself.” This isn’t the first time Trump’s presence has stirred controversy; he’s also been accused of turning a national anniversary into a partisan spectacle.
Officials confirmed that Trump’s attendance would mark the first time a sitting president has attended an NBA Finals game, adding a layer of historical significance to an already electric matchup. But for many New Yorkers, the security clampdown and political overtones are dampening what should be a pure sports celebration.
