Stephen A. Smith’s Knicks Finals stance draws immediate political fire
The New York Knicks are currently leading the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 in the NBA Finals. Game 2 took place Friday night in San Antonio and was a real nail-biter, ending 105-104. Jalen Brunson sunk a crucial free throw with just 9.5 seconds remaining after a turnover by Wembanyama. The Spurs’ towering star, who stands 7-foot-4, then missed a shot at the buzzer that could have tied the game. With that, the Knicks managed to hold on. Now, the series moves to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday night.
Stephen A. Smith wants one thing kept away from all of it. Politicians.
Smith shared on X Saturday that any politician showing up and causing delays at NYC watch parties or disrupting the energy around this Knicks run should stay home, according to his X account. “It’s not political. It’s about the Knicks and the vibe this city has going. Anyone who messes with that needs to not show up.”
President Donald Trump confirmed this week that Knicks owner James Dolan invited him, and he intends to attend Game 3, possibly Game 4 too. Smith talked about it directly on his show, reassuring everyone that he’d hold the same standard for anyone.
“He’s coming to Game 3 of the Finals and I don’t want him there,” Smith said. “It has nothing to do with politics, policy, or anything like that. It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that’s going to be existing at Madison Square Garden. If it were Barack Obama coming to the Garden, I would say, ‘Stay home. Stay at the White House.'”
Grow the Hell up! I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the @nyknicks and the vibe this city has going. Anyone who messes with that needs to… https://t.co/FTEIS8E8nz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 6, 2026
Why critics aren’t buying the non-political framing
One account accused Smith of selective outrage, pointing to his apparent silence on Zohran Mamdani while raising objections about Trump specifically.
The worst seats at MSG for Game 3 were already approaching $9,000 on the secondary market Friday night, per NPR. The Knicks have already warned fans to arrive two hours early due to enhanced security around the presidential visit.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump’s attendance, calling it positive engagement. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said he was excited about the president being there.
Wembanyama scored 29 Friday and said after the loss: “We can’t change the past. We’re already thinking about Game 3.” Game 3 tips Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The city will be at full volume regardless of who is in the building.
