A former leader’s basketball night out stirs debate in the city

New York City is buzzing about more than just the Knicks’ playoff run. When former U. S. leader Donald Trump steps into Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the city’s split opinions about him will be on full display. He’s not just another famous face—this will be his first visit to New York since legal troubles and political shifts changed how people see him. Even as president, he’s attending a major NBA game, invited by the team’s owner James Dolan. Trump’s connection to the Knicks stretches back to the 1990s. Back then, he was a courtside regular, often spotted with stars and even making a brief appearance in a basketball movie. His image then was tied to flashy business deals, not politics. But as his ventures struggled—casinos failed, airlines folded—his standing in New York faded. Still, the Knicks stayed connected to him, even as the rest of his public profile changed.New Yorkers don’t all agree on what this visit means. Some view it as a distraction from the team’s big moment. Others see it as harmless, especially since fans are more worried about the long security lines before the game kicks off. Even local leaders can’t decide—one calls his presence a downer, while another praises any support for the team. Then there’s the question everyone’s asking: Is Trump really a dedicated fan or just showing up for attention? Old photos show him at games years ago, but critics argue his interest hasn’t always been consistent. The NBA commissioner has stood by him, insisting Trump was a true fan long before his political career. Still, doubts remain—much like the team’s past troubles finishing games when it mattered most.