President Trump attends Knicks‑Spurs NBA Finals game, drawing sharp political commentary

Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs was played at Madison Square Garden on June 9, 2026. The Spurs won 115‑111, cutting the Knicks' series lead to 2‑1.

President Donald Trump was in attendance and was later asked by ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith what he thought of the Knicks' loss. Trump replied, “I think he’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president… I’m not sure that Stephen has that,” implying Smith lacked the necessary IQ. Smith responded on his show, challenging Trump’s remarks about intelligence.

Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro subsequently aired a segment suggesting the Knicks should lose Game 4, arguing that a loss would serve “cosmic justice” and that Trump’s presence had “jinxed” the team. Both commentators framed the sporting outcome in political terms, turning a basketball result into a partisan discussion.