The president’s appearance at Madison Square Garden drew loud boos during the national anthem, triggered a major security lockdown around the arena and ended with the Knicks’ first playoff lossDuring the national anthem before tip-off, cameras showed Trump saluting the American flag from his box, where he was joined by his granddaughter Kai Trump, Steve Witkoff and others. The image was met with loud boos from many of the roughly 20,000 spectators in attendance.NY Knicks NBA finals (Video: Amir Bogen)The reaction was predictable, but still uncomfortable for the high-profile guest, who took a break from running the country to appear in the city with which he is most closely associated.The frustration was not limited to those inside the arena. Across New York, residents felt the impact of Trump’s visit as police shut down the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden, located in the crowded heart of Manhattan. The extraordinary security operation caused major traffic congestion from the afternoon until well past midnight.4 View gallery US President Donald Trump with his granddaughter Kai at the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)The night ended badly for the home crowd as well. The Knicks suffered their first loss of the playoffs, falling 115-111 to the visitors from Texas. Some fans might say the president brought bad luck with him.Trump’s planned attendance had dominated local media coverage after it was announced. In response, the New York Police Department canceled the public watch party scheduled for the plaza next to Madison Square Garden, where fans had gathered during previous games.Security requirements for the presidential visit forced police to create a secure perimeter around the arena. More than four hours before the 8:30 p.m. tip-off, large numbers of officers were deployed across central Manhattan, setting up checkpoints and barricades throughout the area.4 View gallery Trump and New York Knicks owner James Dolan(Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)In practice, the district bounded by Eighth Avenue to the west, Sixth Avenue to the east, 35th Street to the north and 30th Street to the south was placed under lockdown. Vehicles were barred from entering, while pedestrian access was largely restricted to ticket holders who had passed security checks.The disruption was especially severe because Pennsylvania Station, New York’s main transportation hub, sits directly beneath Madison Square Garden.During rush hour in the heart of the city, a major part of Manhattan was effectively brought to a standstill for the Knicks and Trump, who attended the game alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani and numerous local celebrities.Ordinary fans, of course, did not receive the same treatment as the famous guests. Long lines stretched down Sixth Avenue as attendees waited to pass through security screenings, including metal detectors, before entering the arena.West 34th Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, was even more crowded than usual with Knicks fans, commuters and curious passersby. Some activists also used the large gathering to demonstrate, including a protester carrying a Palestinian flag in a protest against Israel.4 View gallery Trump speaks to reporters before departing New York (Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP)Hours later, as the game neared its conclusion, police moved to Fifth Avenue and closed traffic north toward Trump Tower to secure the president’s route back from Madison Square Garden.Despite the unprecedented police deployment and traffic restrictions across central Manhattan on a weekday evening, New Yorkers poured into the streets well into the night. Many packed bars and restaurants showing the game on large screens, while others gathered along car-free streets, preparing to celebrate what they hoped would be another Knicks win and a commanding 3-0 series lead.The Knicks were playing in their first NBA Finals since 1999, when they also faced the Spurs and lost. A championship, last won by the franchise in 1973, has rarely felt this close.But Game 3 belonged to San Antonio. The Spurs handed the Knicks their first playoff defeat and turned Wednesday’s next matchup into a pivotal contest.This time, Knicks fans may hope, without the distraction of an uninvited guest.