By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Upon appearing on the Jumbotron at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, President Donald Trump was met with a “thunderous” and “loud and long” chorus of boos from the crowd. The negative reaction quickly subsided when the camera shifted to Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Trump stood with his hand over his heart during the National Anthem amidst the jeers, accompanied by administration officials and Knicks owner James Dolan. This unwelcome reception preceded a surprising loss for the Knicks, ending their winning streak against the Spurs.
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Donald Trump found himself on the receiving end of a rather unwelcoming reception during Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City, with reports indicating he was “thunderously booed” by the crowd. This wasn’t just a few isolated grumbles; the sentiment seemed to echo throughout Madison Square Garden, a sentiment that New Yorkers, in particular, are reportedly quite familiar with when it comes to the former president.
Many observers felt that Trump’s presence at the game was more about seeking the spotlight than genuine support for the New York team. It was suggested that he was there to “take the limelight,” rather than to cheer for the Knicks. Some comments even expressed a desire for him to experience physical discomfort, with one wish for “explosive diarrhea from a sketchy hot dog.” The idea that he would prioritize attending the game over significant personal events, such as his son’s wedding, also drew criticism, framing his appearance as an “interruption in hopes of worship.”
The intensity of the boos was a recurring theme. One individual claimed to have heard the “boos all the way here in Staten Island,” describing them as “thunderous.” Another person noted, “They boo’ed him very strongly, that I can tell you.” The collective reaction from New Yorkers seemed to be one of approval, with one comment stating, “New Yorkers knew the assignment and passed with flying colours!” The sentiment was reinforced with a direct observation: “They were booed very loudly at the game today!!”
Adding to the spectacle, several comments pointed out that Trump appeared to fall asleep during the game. One description noted, “And now he’s sleeping. Fucking loser.” Another remarked, “He also fell asleep.” A linked video was shared that purportedly showed him asleep, with the suggestion that “Things only settle down once his face is taken off the big screen.” This observation was coupled with the assertion that he was “dead asleep as well” and a hopeful wish that “he won’t wake up from one soon.”
The nature of the criticisms directed at Trump, even in this context, often veered into more serious accusations. One particularly strong statement declared, “Booing a known child rapist is an honorable thing to do.” This comment, along with others alluding to such allegations, suggests that for many, the boos were a manifestation of deep-seated disapproval based on past actions and accusations, even in a setting far removed from political rallies.
The idea that Trump’s presence might have a negative impact on the game itself was also floated. One comment mused, “If the Knicks lose it all its because trump cursed them.” This sentiment was echoed by another, stating, “Trump jinxed the knicks.” This superstition, though perhaps lighthearted, underscores the strong negative association some people have with him.
The alleged “child rapist” comment, though extreme, highlights the level of disdain expressed. The confusion around seating arrangements, particularly concerning individuals associated with controversial figures, was also noted. The presence of figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick seated next to rappers Fat Joe and DJ Khaled, while Trump was there, led to a rhetorical question about whether this was a matter of unfortunate proximity or implicit endorsement.
The visual of Trump at the game also drew commentary, with one person noting his hair, comparing him to “the villain from Biker mice from Mars.” Another comment described his appearance as getting “more toad like every week.” The comparison to the character from “The Simpsons,” Ralph Wiggum, saying “Are they booing me Melina? No sir, they’re saying boo-urns,” captured the perceived disconnect between his actions and the crowd’s reaction.
There was also a sense that Trump might be misinterpreting the crowd’s reaction, with the idea that he might be told “they are libs and they are booing our flag because they hate America.” This suggests a belief that his supporters might rationalize the negative reception by attributing it to political opposition rather than genuine public sentiment. The idea of his security detail, like Steve Witkoff, showing visible signs of stress, such as “blinking frantically” when the boos started, was interpreted as evidence that “They know they’re hated, and they are pissing themselves every time they go in public.”
The overall sentiment from many of the comments suggests that Trump’s appearance at the NBA Finals was not well-received by a significant portion of the New York crowd, and the boos were a clear and audible expression of that discontent. The event, for many, was a confirmation of the widely held negative opinions about him, amplified by his presence in a public forum.