Knicks Return to MSG for NBA Finals Game 3 Amid Tight Security
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward OG Anunoby (8) react after Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Photo: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images/Reuters
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks are desperate to deliver for their fans as Madison Square Garden prepares to host its first NBA Finals game in 27 years on Monday. After decades of frustration, the five boroughs are finally daring to dream that their championship drought could soon be over.
The Knicks have defied the odds, taking a 2-0 lead on the road in the best-of-seven series against the favored San Antonio Spurs. This remarkable postseason run keeps alive their hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1973.
Towns Tames Wembanyama, Pledges to Deliver for Fans
Six-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns has impressively contained the 7-foot-4 French superstar Victor Wembanyama in this extraordinary clash of NBA titans. He emphasized the importance of performing for the home crowd.
We got to be desperate for these fans. Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball be played here.
The World's Most Famous Arena
Madison Square Garden holds a mythic quality in American pop culture. It has hosted legendary events like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's Fight of the Century and Marilyn Monroe's famous Happy Birthday rendition to President John F. Kennedy.
However, the arena hasn't seen an NBA Finals game since 1999, when the Spurs defeated the Knicks. For over a quarter-century, celebrities from Spike Lee to Ben Stiller have waited patiently in the arena's famous Celebrity Row, enduring season after season of disappointment.
Coach Brown Starstruck by the Garden
Coach Mike Brown was visibly excited as he interrupted his own press conference on Sunday to share that he had finally met comedian Ben Stiller.
I gave him a handshake and a hug. I was like holy crap I can't believe this is where I'm going to be coaching. I see my family right there and obviously all the stars, it makes it feel different than almost any other building you've been in.
Presidential Visit Brings Security Challenges
The arena was already buzzing on Sunday as local police, Secret Service, and stadium security braced for the arrival of US President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend Game 3.
Trump's attendance at last year's US Open men's tennis final in New York City caused significant disruptions, with thousands of ticketholders stranded outside the gates well into the match due to enhanced security measures. Authorities are urging fans who paid thousands of dollars for tickets to arrive at least two hours early for Monday's game.
No Outdoor Watch Parties for Game 3
The NYPD announced there would be no watch parties permitted outside the arena for Game 3, enraging fans after approximately 6,500 people gathered to watch the Knicks' thrilling 105-104 Game 2 victory on big screens outside the venue on Friday night.
There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4.
The Secret Service has also indicated there will be hard street closures around the arena, which sits atop the bustling Penn Station.
Wembanyama Learns to Tune Out the Noise
Victor Wembanyama, whose late-game blunder in Game 2 contributed to the Knicks' 2-0 lead, compared the media circus in New York to what he experienced at his home Olympics in Paris two years ago. However, the young French star says he's become skilled at blocking out distractions.
Isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years. It's not a problem.
— Reuters