New York City officials prepared extensive security measures for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday as President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani were both expected to attend the highly anticipated matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
The game marks the first NBA Finals contest at Madison Square Garden since 1999 and comes one day after a stabbing at Penn Station, located directly beneath the arena, left multiple people injured.
Law enforcement officials said a suspect was taken into custody following the incident.
The Knicks entered the home game holding a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series, adding to growing excitement across New York City.
The New York Police Department and the US Secret Service conducted security briefings ahead of the game and significantly increased their presence around the arena.
Officials implemented heightened screening procedures, including airport-style security checks and a strict no-bag policy for fans entering the venue.
Thousands of NYPD officers and hundreds of Secret Service personnel were deployed for the event.
Authorities also canceled a planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden in coordination with the Secret Service.
Penn Station, one of the region’s busiest transportation hubs connecting subway lines and rail services to New Jersey and Long Island, remained a focal point of security planning following the stabbing.
Officials described the attack as a random act of violence.
The Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals has generated widespread enthusiasm across the city after decades without a championship appearance at this stage.
Buildings across New York have been illuminated in the team’s colors, while businesses have launched Knicks-themed promotions.
Fans have gathered in large numbers throughout the playoff run, with previous watch parties drawing significant crowds and leading to several arrests.
Ticket demand for the first Finals game at Madison Square Garden has pushed resale prices to exceptionally high levels.
Mamdani confirmed he would attend the game but said he would be seated far from Trump.
“I will be in a very different section of the stadium,” Mamdani said.
The mayor added that the city looked forward to welcoming supporters eager to see the Knicks pursue a championship.