Stephen A. Smith has pointed the finger at Donald Trump following the New York Knicks’ 115-111 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, criticizing the president after he appeared to fall asleep during the game at Madison Square Garden.
The ESPN personality reacted after Trump attended the matchup in New York City on Monday, June 8, with Smith claiming the president’s presence had a negative impact on the home team’s performance. The loss cut the Knicks’ lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1 and snapped a 13-game postseason winning streak.
He said on First Take: “Our president showed up to New York City last night. And needless to say what I feared would happen, ended up happening. The New York Knicks lost and obviously I’m blaming him, why am I blaming him ladies and gentlemen it’s very simple because the president disrupted our mojo. I’ve said this on many occasions over the last 24 hours and I’m saying it again. The man messed things up.”
Smith had already warned before tipoff that Trump’s visit could create problems for Knicks fans and for the team’s momentum. On Monday’s First Take, he called the president’s decision to attend the game “selfish,” “narcissistic” and “ridiculous,” arguing that the added security and attention around the visit would change the atmosphere for New York’s first home NBA Finals game since 1999.
Trump’s appearance became one of the biggest storylines of the night. He was shown on the arena video boards during the national anthem and received a loud mixed reaction from the Madison Square Garden crowd, including boos and chants. Reports and viral clips later showed Trump seated in Knicks owner James Dolan’s suite, where he appeared to have his eyes closed during part of the game.
The visit also brought heightened security around the arena. Streets near Madison Square Garden were restricted, fans were told to arrive early, and a planned public watch party outside the venue was canceled because of the security perimeter surrounding the president’s attendance.
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. He watched from a suite alongside Dolan, his granddaughter Kai Trump and several members of his administration and inner circle.
After the game, Trump was asked about Smith’s criticism and responded by taking aim at the ESPN commentator’s political ambitions. Trump told reporters that Smith was “a nice guy,” but said a person needs “a certain aptitude” and “a high IQ” to run for president.
On the court, the Spurs spoiled what had been a euphoric run for the Knicks. Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Stephon Castle added 23 points. Jalen Brunson scored 32 for New York and OG Anunoby finished with 28, but the Knicks missed the chance to move within one win of their first NBA championship since 1973.
The defeat was New York’s first loss in 46 days, ending a streak that had carried the franchise through a deep playoff run and stirred hopes of a long-awaited title. Game 4 will give the Knicks a chance to regain control of the series, while the Spurs will try to even the Finals at 2-2.