NYPD Closes Streets Around Madison Square Garden

Knicks fans hoping to soak up NBA Finals energy outside Madison Square Garden tonight are out of luck. The NYPD and US Secret Service are locking down the streets around the arena ahead of President Trump's appearance at Game 3, the first time a sitting president has ever attended an NBA Finals matchup, NBC New York reports. From 4pm, 30th to 35th streets between Seventh and Eighth avenues will be closed to cars and pedestrians alike. There are a few exceptions: people with Knicks or train tickets, and those with business appointments in the zone, will be allowed through on foot, though police haven't detailed how they'll confirm appointments.

After the game, fans can still reach Penn Station, but anyone heading to transit must enter from the west side of Eighth Avenue between 31st and 33rd streets. Authorities say train service itself shouldn't be affected. Fans have been told to arrive two hours early and they can expect airport-style security on the way in, the AP reports. Watch parties have been held outside MSG throughout the playoffs, but Monday's event has been moved blocks away.

• "The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday. "We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town, and they understand that that generally means lockdowns of areas and that's what you're going to see tonight at the Garden."

Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, recently confirmed he'd attend, adding the Finals to a list of high-profile sports events he has visited in his second term. The Knicks are 2-0 up against the San Antonio Spurs, and wins in Game 3 and Game 4 would earn them their first title since 1973. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, among many other big names, will be at the first NBA Finals game at the arena since 1999, but he says he won't be courtside or in a suite.