yahoo - 6/5/2026 1:01:44 AM - GMT (+2 )
Not only is President Donald Trump going to the NBA Finals once the games hit New York's Madison Square Garden, he also has opinions on the series — including about Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Speaking Thursday, June 4 to reporters from the Oval Office, the 47th president of the United States was asked about the series between the Knicks and Spurs, after New York escaped Game 1 with a 10-point victory Wednesday, June 3.
“I saw the beginning of the game, and it was not looking good,” Trump said. “I missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now, but I watched the end of that game and they were dominant, really amazing."
“Wemby is a great player,” Trump continued. “I say: ‘How do you guard this guy?' — 7-foot-5 and he’s got a great shot, right? They find a way to do it. They’re a great team, and I’m happy for Jim (Dolan) because Jim has been fighting really hard to produce such a team.”
Trump confirmed that Knicks owner James Dolan invited him to attend Knicks home games, though he did not provide firm specifics; New York will host the Spurs for Game 3 Monday, June 8 and Game 4 Wednesday, June 10.
“The answer is: yes, he has invited me and I’m going,” Trump said. “Could be Monday — maybe I’ll do both.”
The Knicks will be playing their first home NBA Finals games since 1999, and New York is seeking its first title in 53 years. The games at Madison Square Garden are quickly becoming some of the most expensive tickets in sports history, and the crowd — both inside and outside the arena — is expected to be frenetic.
Trump on going to the NBA Finals: Wemby's a great player. He's going to be a great player and he is already a great player. I’m going. Could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both. pic.twitter.com/SBeDujD3vt
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2026
With Trump also in attendance, security will be bolstered in kind, which could create longer-than-normal waiting times to get into the venue.
“Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said. “He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump impressed by Victor Wembanyama: 'How do you guard this guy?'
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