NEW YORK – President Trump faced a chorus of boos during the national anthem Monday as he took in the New York Knicks’ first home game in the NBA Finals.
The crowd reacted when the Jumbotron showed Mr. Trump giving a military-style salute during “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks faithful greeted the San Antonio Spurs with even louder boos and then focused on the matter at hand, with the visitors getting off to a fast start before the Knicks settled down. and took the lead by halftime
The Knicks were looking to add to their 2-0 advantage in the series and win their first title since 1973.
Mr. Trump’s visit to his old Manhattan stomping grounds caused controversy, with everyday fans and sports pundits griping about added layers of security in Midtown and restrictions on bags for spectators who shelled out plenty of money to attend.
Others grumbled that, because of added security, officials canceled MSG-area watch parties for fans who could not afford tickets inside the arena.
Mr. Trump was joined in the suite by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, Knicks owner James Dolan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Celebrities lined the courtside seats, including actor Timothee Chalamet, comedy writer Larry David, comedian Tracy Morgan and baseball star Derek Jeter, among others.
On the way to Madison Square Garden, the president’s motorcade passed Knicks watch parties on apartment balconies and was greeted by some middle fingers and thumbs down.
“Nobody wants you here,” one sign said, while others said, “Trump must go,” and “Impeach. Convict. Remove.”
