Stephen A. Smith Urges Trump to Avoid NBA Finals Game 3 Amid Expected Heavy Crowd Disruption
Stephen A. Smith has publicly expressed concern about former U.S. President Donald Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals scheduled at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Speaking on his show, he strongly suggested that Trump should reconsider attending the high-profile matchup due to concerns about crowd management and potential disruption during the event.
Smith made it clear that his comments were not based on political preference or disagreement. Instead, he emphasized that his concern is related to the environment expected at Madison Square Garden during one of the most anticipated games of the season. He repeatedly stated that he would prefer Trump to stay away from the venue, even using the phrase that he should “stay at the White House,” highlighting the level of disruption he believes could occur.
According to Smith, the presence of a former president at such a major sporting event could create significant logistical challenges, particularly in terms of security arrangements and crowd movement. He referenced past experiences from major sporting events where high-profile political figures attended, noting that such visits often result in tighter security measures, longer entry lines, and delays for fans and staff.
He also mentioned that the upcoming game already carries intense energy due to the New York Knicks’ strong playoff run. The team has been performing at a high level throughout the postseason, building a long winning streak and generating major excitement among fans. The Knicks’ recent success has led to heightened demand for tickets, with Game 3 expected to draw an especially large and passionate crowd inside and outside Madison Square Garden.
Smith added that the atmosphere in New York is already expected to be extremely charged, with fans celebrating the team’s progress and hoping to see them move closer to a championship title that has not been achieved in decades. He warned that adding a high-profile political presence into such a situation could intensify crowd control challenges and create an environment that is difficult for organizers to manage smoothly.
The comments also referenced previous instances where Trump attended major sporting events, including a U.S. Open final, which reportedly resulted in increased security procedures and delays for attendees. Smith suggested that similar conditions could occur again if Trump attends the NBA Finals game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks continue to build momentum in the playoffs, having extended their winning run and strengthening their position in the Finals series. The team’s performance has played a major role in driving fan enthusiasm across New York City, with supporters gathering in large numbers to celebrate victories and show support for their team.
As Game 3 approaches, attention remains focused not only on the matchup itself but also on the expected crowd size and security arrangements at Madison Square Garden. Smith’s remarks have added another layer of discussion around how major public events manage high-profile guests and the potential impact on fans attending the game.
Sources:
The Stephen A. Smith Show (broadcast commentary)
NBA Finals official schedule and team records (NBA)
Madison Square Garden event operations context