Fans Blame Knicks Loss on ‘Trump Curse’

New York Knicks fans are calling it the “Trump curse.”
The phrase was coined after the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs Monday evening in Game 3 of the NBA Finals — a game attended by President Donald Trump.
The loss ended the 13-game and 46-day winning streak the Knicks had going into the game.
The Spurs took the “W” in Monday’s game, 115-111.
Trump already miffed some fans and local New Yorkers when he decided to attend the game, which forced the cancellation of a watch party outside Madison Square Garden.
The watch party was cancelled because of the Secret Service’s security perimeter. Several blocks around Madison Square Garden were closed “to most pedestrian and vehicular traffic,” a “strict no-bag policy” was enforced. Fans were also told to arrive at least two hours early.
Then, Trump when he was shown on the Jumbotron during the singing of the national anthem.
Watch:President Trump was booed loudly by fans inside Madison Square Garden when he was shown on video screens during the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
Trump was shown for several seconds giving a military salute. The boos ended when the U.S. flag… pic.twitter.com/MK105rgSDe
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 9, 2026
Trump also drew ire when he was seen resting his eyes, as onlookers accused him of falling asleep.
Watch:Trump takes a long blink during the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/uValJdTJWJ
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— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) June 9, 2026
The hatred then spewed even more when the final buzzer sounded.
Social media users again flung insults, blame, and mockery in Trump’s direction.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) reposted on X, “Call it the Trump Effect,” a White House post of Trump taking credit for the Knicks’ winning streak.
Others also responded after the loss.
I bet they don’t win another game. The curse was transferred from the Spurs to the Knicks and their streak is over. Trump ruins everything he touches.
— 🖤dumpster bébé🖤 (@CunningLuthor) June 9, 2026
This clown should have thought more about the cost he imposed on taxpayers who endure, extra security & the loss of enjoyment while visiting New Your City. Trump is a curse even when he sleeps! #25thAmendmentNow so he can nap anytime he wants
— Bill7000 (@BillCar62820023) June 9, 2026
The trump curse is real.
— jimmy? (@funkdoc604) June 9, 2026
The biggest curse ever is trump
— Reirei949 (@Naldo808) June 9, 2026