Knicks fans blame Trump for Game 3 loss as 'curse' sparks backlash
New York Knicks fans are blaming President Donald Trump for their team’s Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, as the president’s presence at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night coincided with a 112–100 defeat. Fans and local media have dubbed the phenomenon the “Trump curse,” pointing to the president’s polarising presence as a distraction that disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm. The backlash intensified after reports revealed that watch parties near the arena were cancelled due to Trump’s attendance, leaving supporters unable to gather safely in the area .
Trump’s potential return for Game 4 or Game 6 at MSG has further unsettled Knicks supporters, with internal communications between team owner James Dolan and staff reportedly hinging on the president’s attendance. The Independent obtained a leaked transcript of a skybox chat in which Dolan’s team discussed security and seating arrangements in anticipation of Trump’s possible presence, a move that fans view as a provocation rather than a neutral sporting event .
The controversy reflects broader tensions in New York, where Trump’s presidency has long been a divisive issue. During the Knicks’ recent winning streak, the city’s euphoria over the team’s success has been tempered by public displays of disapproval toward the president, including booing during live broadcasts and social media backlash. German newspaper *taz* reported that Trump was seen appearing to doze off during the NBA Finals, a moment that quickly went viral and amplified perceptions of his disengagement from the event .
Politically, Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted, with polls showing him trailing Joe Biden on cost-of-living issues—a key vulnerability for the president, who campaigned on lowering inflation and fuel prices. His administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran, which he claims are “very close” to a “very strong agreement,” have done little to reassure voters concerned about economic stability .
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are increasingly distancing themselves from Trump, with some openly defying his agenda as the midterm elections approach. The president’s handling of domestic and international crises—from California’s delayed primary vote count to his administration’s response to global health threats—has eroded confidence within his own party. As one GOP strategist noted, “Trump’s influence is waning, and the party is preparing for a post-Trump era” .
For Knicks fans, the “Trump curse” is more than a meme—it’s a symbol of how polarisation has seeped into even the most apolitical corners of American life. With the Finals still unresolved, the question remains: will Trump’s presence at MSG turn the tide, or will the curse hold?