Trump Madison Square Garden NBA Finals Game 3

As The Gateway Pundit previously reported, the New York Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought on Saturday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

President Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, the first sitting President to attend an NBA Finals game.

“USA! USA! USA!” chants erupted throughout the stadium as President Trump arrived.

Now, the Knicks will be returning the support and, according to Knicks owner James Dolan, the team will go to the White House to celebrate with the president, the first NBA team to do so under Trump.

Dolan said in an interview on WFAN, “We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted.”

“We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course. Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”

Watch:

James Dolan confirms the Knicks have been invited to the White House and have accepted:@craigcartonlive @CMacWFAN pic.twitter.com/kemKQZJhf9

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) June 17, 2026

During President Trump’s two terms in office, visits with NBA champs have been difficult.

in 2017, the President withdrew an invitation to the Golden State Warriors after Stephen Curry and others expressed reluctance.

In 2018 and 2019, the Warriors and Toronto Raptors either declined or were not invited.

In 2020, the LA Lakers won amid COVID lockdowns and skipped the visit.

Under Joe Biden, the Milwaukee Bucks visited in 2021, as did the Warriors in 2022 and the Boston Celtics in 2024. In 2023, the Denver Nuggets declined due to “scheduling issues.”

In 2025, with President Trump back in the White House, the Oklahoma City Thunder cited a “timing issue” for passing on the visit.

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