The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden Monday night, riding a historic 13-game playoff win streak with two wins from the NBA championship, but amid the excitement, President Donald Trump's attendance at Game 3 forced the cancellation of watch parties across New York City.
MS NOW's "Morning Joe" panelists questioned whether Trump's attendance at the Knicks' first championship home game would disrupt the team's good fortunes. While co-host Mika Brzezinski noted the loss of organic fan gatherings and street celebrations that characterized the postseason.
"I mean, people were going to party and then they were going to party outside Madison Square Garden. There were going to be post parties and pre-parties, and the streets were going to be filled with joy, and how is that still happening?"
Journalist Pablo Torre, a longtime Knicks fan, worries Trump's attendance sours the game's mood. Hinting it could impact the Knicks' chances of winning their first championship since 1973.
Torre criticized the exclusivity of Trump's VIP entrance through private tunnels, which is unavailable to regular fans; this, he argues, exemplifies broader affordability crises affecting sports and America.
"I thought the Knicks were ours as a city, turns out none of it is ours," Torre said.
"You can't even be outside. You can't even be outside, let alone inside, and so who's this for? What's it about?"
Watch the video below.