Donald Trump will be in the stands as the San Antonio Spurs take on the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but the Spurs aren't going to be paying much attention to the president.
The San Antonio Spurs will travel to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday. Stories surrounding the game include Victor Wembanyama's offensive stall, the Knicks being just two games away from winning the title, and the fact that neither team was expected to be here before the season started.
Of course, all of those storylines pale in comparison to the fact that Donald Trump will be in attendance, causing security and financial concerns before tipoff.
Trump, of course, is one of the most controversial and divisive world figures, and his attendance is certain to ruffle some feathers. His arrival has caused the cancellation of in-the-street watch parties, and most fans in New York are displeased.
The Spurs are well aware that most attention will be focused on a luxury box, not on the court.
Spurs Address Trump's Attendance
Over the last decade, the Spurs haven't shied away from sharing honest, unfiltered opinions surrounding Trump.
"He doesn’t care about bringing people together," said Gregg Popovich in 2020. "That’s how deranged he is. It’s all about him. It’s all about what benefits him personally. It’s never about the greater good. And that’s all he’s ever been.”
Earlier this year, as the country grappled with Trump's ICE murdering the unarmed Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Wembanyama called the way it was being handled "horrific."
"Every day I wake up and see the news, and I'm horrified," he said. "I think it's crazy that some people might make it seem like or make it sound like the murder of civilians is acceptable."
Wembanyama said he refuses to give the "PR" answer, but before Game 3, he brushed off questions.
"Not really, I think it could be, but isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years, and I think I'm good at it, so it's not a problem," said Wembanyama when asked if Trump being in attendance makes it more difficult to get into game mode. "This is similar to something media-wise like the Olympics."
While Wembanyama and the Spurs likely have opinions they would rather keep private, all focus and attention will be on winning Game 3, no matter who is in the stands.
