President Donald Trump was “thunderously booed” Monday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City when he was shown on the Jumbotron ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, according to the White House press pool report.
The stadium’s reaction comes after some New York Knicks fans warned he would not receive a warm welcome during the home game matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
The White House press pool report described the boos as “loud and long” and noted the reaction “quickly changed to cheers when the camera quickly panned to [Knicks guard] Jalen Brunson on the court.”
Trump was “standing with his hand over his heart” during the National Anthem as he was met with boos, the pool report said, adding that he was standing between his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan, who “seemed to be smirking at the boos.”
The Knicks’ historic winning streak has so far continued, and fans are hoping for a sweep. That is, defeating the Spurs in four consecutive games without a single loss. The Knicks currently hold a 2-0 series lead. The team is on the precipice of earning its first championship since 1973, but Trump’s attendance has sparked outcry, with some fans concerned the president will bring bad luck.