NBA Finals 2026: Donald Trump Caught Sleeping During finals? Booed at Madison Square Garden During Knicks-Spurs Game 3

US President Donald Trump became one of the biggest talking points of Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals after receiving a mixed reception from fans and later going viral over a moment that appeared to show him dozing off during the game.

Trump attended the highly anticipated matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, becoming the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game. He was accompanied as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan and arrived under heightened security at the iconic New York venue.

The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was already electric, with the Knicks hosting their first NBA Finals home game since 1999. Trump's presence added another layer of attention to the event.

When the president appeared on the arena's giant video screen during the national anthem, sections of the crowd responded with a mix of boos and cheers, reflecting the political divisions surrounding his presidency. Trump acknowledged the crowd and saluted during the anthem before taking his seat.

However, as the game progressed, social media users shifted their focus away from the action on the court after television cameras captured Trump sitting in his suite with his eyes closed. Clips of the moment quickly spread online, prompting speculation and jokes from users who suggested the president had fallen asleep during the high-stakes contest.

The viral moment came despite Trump telling reporters before the game that he was excited to watch the Knicks, who entered Game 3 holding a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals series.

While the Knicks-Spurs showdown carried major significance for basketball fans, much of the conversation outside the arena centred on Trump's appearance, the crowd's reaction and the viral footage, making Game 3 one of the most closely watched and discussed NBA Finals games in recent years.