Trump booed during national anthem before Game 3 of the NBA Finals

United States President Donald Trump was loudly booed at Madison Square Garden, ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York and San Antonio.

Chants of "USA, USA" echoed through the arena during the anthem, but those cheers gave way to boos moments later as Trump was shown on the stadium's large screens. The fans' outcry ended when Trump was replaced on the screens by an image of the American flag.

Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game.

He watched Game 3 of the Finals between home team New York and San Antonio from the apartment of Knicks owner James Dolan, along with his grandson Kai, personal advisor Boris Epstein, and cabinet secretaries Lee Zeldin, Sean Duffy, and Doug Burgum.

He sat next to Dolan during the first quarter and spent part of the second talking with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and senior Republican Party official Bruce Blakeman.

Trump's Marine One helicopter took off from his New Jersey home and landed near Wall Street before his motorcade made its way through Manhattan to Madison Square Garden about an hour before kickoff. He was met by several people making obscene gestures, while one group held up signs that read: "Trump must go."

Shortly thereafter, he moved into Dolan's apartment.

In the afternoon, before Trump arrived, the New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service set up a large security perimeter around Madison Square Garden. Fans lined up outside the arena more than four hours before kickoff, in scenes that were more reminiscent of a New Year's Eve party in Times Square than the usual atmosphere before a basketball game.

They had to show a ticket or pass to pass through numerous checkpoints. Secret Service and police officers were stationed on every corner in large numbers.

New Yorkers, tourists and fans were confused as they tried to get through security checks.

"We asked so many police officers, Secret Service officers and armed officers what to do and where to go. Nobody knew," said Knicks fan Greg Weldon.

Due to increased security measures, all events outside the hall before the game were canceled, and ticket holders were not allowed to bring bags into the Garden.

In addition to Trump, the game was attended by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as well as numerous other dignitaries.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated New York 115-111 today, cutting their lead to 1-2 in the NBA Finals series, but also ending the Knicks' streak of 13 consecutive playoff wins.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be played on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, again in New York.