Blaming Trump for Knicks’ Loss Draws Mixed Reactions

The New York Knicks’ recent NBA Finals game loss against the San Antonio Spurs has sparked unexpected discussions involving President Donald Trump. Following the Knicks’ 115-111 defeat in Game 3, rapper Cardi B playfully suggested that Trump’s presence at Madison Square Garden might have influenced the game’s outcome.

Trump made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. His attendance coincided with the Spurs ending the Knicks’ significant 13-game playoff winning streak, narrowing New York’s series lead to 2-1.

“It probably was. But it is what it is,” Cardi B remarked, responding to a fan’s inquiry about Trump potentially being “bad luck” for the Knicks during an Instagram Live session. “You can’t stop the president from going to a game. But it did feel a little dark in there.”

Cardi B, a Bronx native and halftime performer at Game 3, compared the atmosphere to having a school principal unexpectedly enter a classroom, suggesting a tense vibe permeated the arena.
“It felt like the principal was there and everybody had to be on their best behavior,” she explained.

With the president’s visit came increased security measures, including road closures and a more prominent Secret Service presence. Cardi B acknowledged these measures, noting their necessity and her firsthand experience with the security protocol.

Despite these playful allegations, attributing the Knicks’ fourth-quarter performance issues to Trump might be stretching it. New York struggled, shooting 2-for-12 from three-point range in the final period. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 32-point game led San Antonio to victory.

Prior to the match, Stephen A. Smith, a Knicks fan and ESPN personality, humorously stated he’d blame Trump if New York lost. Trump later questioned Smith’s capability for a presidential run, highlighting their playful exchange.

Knicks enthusiasts will turn their attention to Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, hoping for a turnaround. And should the Knicks stumble again, Trump might jokingly remain part of the conversation.