The New York Knicks have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, sparking championship fever in the city. Security measures have been tightened due to President Donald Trump's visit. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
On Monday evening, Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs will take place at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game. Fans will face enhanced security measures, a strict ban on bags, and airport-style screening.
The Knicks have reached the Finals for the first time since 1999 and lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. This gives the team a chance to win the national championship for the first time since 1973. The mood in the city is electric: skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center, are lit up in orange and blue—the team's colors; a subway station is decorated in Knicks style; and restaurants offer special menus.
On game nights, crowds of fans fill the streets near the arena, holding impromptu watch parties. However, tickets are very expensive: the cheapest on the secondary market start at $10,000 (7,468 pounds) and go up to $100,000. Trump commented on this: "That's life. Watching on TV is almost free."
Trump's visit will be the first time a sitting president attends an NBA Finals game. Security measures have been tightened: fans are advised to arrive at least two hours before the start. On Sunday, a knife attack occurred at Penn Station, injuring five people. Thousands of NYPD and Secret Service officers are deployed. Outdoor viewing at MSG has been canceled.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani said he will attend the game but will sit in a different section from Trump. Knicks games always attract celebrities: among those spotted are actors Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, director Spike Lee, and Kim Kardashian.