Knicks say Game 3 circus wasn’t the reason for their first loss in more than a month

NBAKnicks say Game 3 circus wasn’t the reason for their first loss in more than a monthPresident Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, creating a unique atmosphere Monday night. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00New York Knicks fans wait to enter Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York. Craig T Fruchtman / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 9, 2026, 6:35 AM EDTBy Rohan NadkarniGame 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals was literally unlike any other in league history.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.In addition to the New York Knicks playing in the championship round for the first time this century, President Donald Trump attended Monday’s game, becoming the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals matchup.The combination of immense anticipation plus Trump’s presence created a unique atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. Fans who paid thousands of dollars for tickets waited in lines that stretched New York City streets to accommodate the security presence that Trump requires.Add NBC News to GoogleTrump booed at Madison Square Garden during NBA Finals game00:46Players themselves were required to undergo extra security measures when arriving at the arena, but the Knicks — who lost for the first time in 46 days — say the added pomp and circumstance played no role in their performance.“It is what it is. This is the NBA Finals,” New York head coach Mike Brown said about the heightened atmosphere. “There’s going to be a lot of distractions, and you’ve just got to, as best you can, block them out and go play the game.”He added, in regards to the fans: “The energy around the city, the energy around the building, it’s off the charts. You love it.”(Brown had much more to say about the game’s officiating, lamenting the fact the San Antonio Spurs shot so many m...