Stephen A. Smith advises Trump to skip attending NBA Finals games

4 sources1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 10:04 PM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Stephen A. Smith advises Trump to skip attending NBA Finals games
Summary

Donald Trump confirmed attendance for at least one NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next weekend, featuring the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. Stephen A. Smith urged Trump to stay home, citing concerns over the chaotic atmosphere. Smith believes Trump's presence would aggravate the expected intensity of the games. The Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead and have won 13 straight playoff games, needing two more victories for their first championship in 53 years. Despite Smith's recommendations, it appears Trump plans to attend.

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By the Numbers
  • Trump confirmed attendance for NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden
  • Knicks lead Spurs 2-0 in the NBA Finals series
  • Smith expresses concern over Trump's potential disruptive impact
  • Knicks seek their first championship in 53 years
  • Trump's invitation came from Knicks owner Jim Dolan
Latest Updates
  • 10:04 PMYahoo SportsStephen A. Smith Dunks on Trump’s Knicks NBA Finals Ticket: ‘No Business Showing Up in New York City’
  • 4:50 PMYahoo SportsStephen A. Smith will blame Trump and Republicans in general if Knicks lose Game 3
  • 4:37 PMYahoo SportsStephen A Smith explains Donald Trump comments about US president attending NBA Finals
  • 10:20 PMYahoo Sports‘I don’t want him there’: Donald Trump receives a message from Stephen A. Smith before NBA Finals
What they're saying
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United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be in attendance for at least one of the games when the NBA Finals head to Madison Square Garden next weekend for Games 3 and 4 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. However, longtime sports personality Stephen A. Smith is begging…

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Stephen A. Smith slammed Donald Trump for deciding to attend the Knicks' NBA Finals game on Monday.

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Stephen A. Smith was NOT happy about Trump making a possible Knicks NBA title about himself.

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