Donald Trump watching the New York Knicks against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 30, 2007, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
New Yorkers are still riding high after the Knicks soundly defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday and booked their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999. Donald Trump is apparently paying attention, too, and the fans and A-listers preparing to fill Madison Square Garden with blue and orange may have to make room for him. Trump is planning to attend a game of the championship series at the storied arena after receiving an official invite from longtime pal James Dolan, the owner of both the team and MSG. If you weren’t aware of Trump’s affinity for the Knicks — and it’s already become a political football — that’s because there hasn’t much sign of it lately. When he was just a celebrity, Trump used to be a periodic courtside presence at the Garden and make regular cameos in greater Knicks culture, but the extent of politician Trump’s fandom is less clear. He may or may not be able to name multiple members of the Knicks’ current starting lineup, but here’s the evidence of his past relationship with the team.
Though his attendance numbers would hardly rival that of Knicks superfan Spike Lee, Trump has been seen at a number of home games at Madison Square Garden, but only during his days as a businessman and celebrity figure — and particularly during his Apprentice years. Wire photos show Trump sitting courtside from the 1990s through the 2010s with wives Marla Maples and Melania Trump, as well as other prominent names. He could also be seen courtside in television broadcasts, and a few clips have been preserved online.
