Madison Square Garden hosted Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the New York Knicks fell to the San Antonio Spurs 115 to 111 behind a 32-point performance from Victor Wembanyama. But the real story off the court was the massive disruption caused by Donald Trump's attendance. On Pod Save America, Jon Favreau detailed how the visit forced the "cancellation of the watch party outside MSG" and brought traffic to a complete standstill. On Pivot, Kara Swisher blasted Knicks owner James Dolan as a "toad" for inviting him, ruining the experience for fans. Stephen A. Smith agreed on First Take, arguing that surrounding "businesses that are accustomed to being patronized were compromised" by the security lockdown.
Inside the arena, the atmosphere split the airwaves. On The Pat McAfee Show, Pat McAfee raved that the crowd was "loud as hell in there" and praised the arena staff. However, Kendrick Perkins felt let down, calling the crowd "a disappointment" on First Take, noting he didn't feel the passion. The crowd made its voice loudest during the national anthem, when they loudly booed the former president. "I've never seen it before. I mean, God bless you, MSG." said Rob Mahoney on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
Despite the political circus, the venue's legendary status remains intact. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Adam Friedland described the arena as a "cathedral of the game". That iconic draw isn't reserved just for basketball; on Modern Wisdom, Chris Williamson pointed out how podcast host Joe Santagato recently "sold out Madison Square Garden" with an incredibly lean crew of just five people.
Looking ahead, the pressure is mounting for the Knicks to salvage the series. On The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God predicted the team will still "win in six at The Garden." If they can force a deciding game back in Manhattan, Kirk Goldsberry warned that playing for a championship on this stage will make for "one of the most electric NBA games in the history of the league."