NBA finals 2026 Game 3: San Antonio Spurs v New York Knicks – live buildup

TL;DR

• 1

  The Knicks are back at Madison Square Garden with a 2-0 finals lead and a real shot at history — New York entered Game 3 against the Spurs on a 13-game playoff winning streak and sits two wins from its first NBA title since 1973, with the Garden hosting its first finals game since 1999 after a 27-year wait.

• 2

  Game 3 turned into one of the most expensive tickets New York has seen — Upper-deck resale seats had been going for more than $12,000 before dropping to about $5,000 on game day, while courtside prices were described as enough to cover a year’s rent in most US cities.

• 3

  Donald Trump’s expected attendance became almost as big a story as the game — Invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump was set to become the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game, triggering an unusually large security operation around MSG.

• 4

  Security around Madison Square Garden was locked down hard — The arena was surrounded by a 10-foot perimeter fence, fans were told to arrive at least two hours early, the Knicks imposed a no-bag policy and “TSA-style screening procedures,” and long lines formed through the afternoon.

• 5

  Two major political figures were expected in the building at once — Along with Trump, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani was also expected to attend after buying his ticket directly from Madison Square Garden, joining celebrities, former players and nearly 20,000 fans.