Inside the NBA Finals: How the Very Important President’s Favorite Sport Reveals a Hidden Power Play

On Monday night, the most powerful man in the world crashed a citywide celebration 27 years in the making and almost shut it down, with barricades around Midtown Manhattan, security lines outside Madison Square Garden and agents wanding Victor Wembanyama as if the San Antonio Spurs phenom were a threat off the court as well as on it. And when Donald Trump finally arrived for his grand entrance, it was in a half-mile-long motorcade. Anyone taking in the scene couldn’t help but ask the quintessential New York question: who does this guy think he is, some kind of big shot?

At this point in Trump’s presidency, it’s fair to wonder if he got into politics for the free tickets. On a night when he could’ve been dealing with far more pressing issues – soaring living costs, war with Iran, a global economy under strain – Trump flew to New York expressly to watch the Knicks play host to their first NBA finals game since he started making noises about running for office someday; he evidently couldn’t turn down the game after being invited by “numerous people.”

Related: NBA finals: Wembanyama silences Garden’s party as Spurs beat Knicks in Game 3

Advertisement

CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST DEALS ON AMAZON!

Spire Designs Fantasy Football Trophy - Chrome Replica Championship Trophy - First Place Winner Award for League - 2 Sizes

(465456)

$65.99 (as of August 11, 2026 03:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Bowman Baseball Blaster Trading Card Box (Look for Retail Exclusive Green Parallels)

(43524)

$52.94 (as of August 11, 2026 03:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Soccer Trading Cards | 55 Unique Collectible Cards per Box | Premium Paper, for Soccer Fans of All Ages, Ideal for Collecting & Trading (Non-Original) (Golden)

(44584)

$18.99 (as of August 11, 2026 03:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025–26 Panini Absolute Football Blaster Box – Retail Exclusive Parallels & Inserts – NFL Trading Cards – Sealed Retail Box

(405128)

$27.47 (as of August 11, 2026 03:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Panini Donruss Baseball Retail Mega Box | Factory Sealed MLB Trading Cards | Exclusive Mega Box Parallels | Rated Prospects, Optic Cards, Inserts & Rare Chase Cards

(3956)

$59.95 (as of August 11, 2026 03:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025-26 Topps Hoops Basketball - Factory Sealed - Value Box

(455178)

$40.00 (as of August 11, 2026 03:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025/26 Topps Chrome Update Basketball MEGA box (7 pks/bx)

$219.99 (as of August 11, 2026 03:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Topps Series 1 Celebration Baseball Trading Card Value Bundle, 2 Factory Sealed Packs, 28 Cards Total, MLB Trading Cards for Collectors

$28.99 (as of August 11, 2026 03:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Michael Jackson #360 Billie Jean Facsimile Signed Reprint Laser Autographed Funko POP! Rocks Figurine with Protector Case

$29.99 (as of August 11, 2026 03:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Panini Donruss Baseball Retail Blaster Box | 6 Packs Per Box | 90 Trading Cards | 1 Autograph or Memorabilia Card Per Box on Average | Exclusive Red & Blue Laser Parallels | Factory Sealed

(4653)

$31.45 (as of August 11, 2026 03:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5