Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has voiced her disapproval of President Donald Trump after he appeared to doze off during a pivotal NBA Finals game on Monday night, a moment she claims cost the New York Knicks a much-needed victory. The third game of the Finals, which saw the Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, was marred by the president’s controversial presence, prompting long delays for fans due to Secret Service security.
High Stakes in the Big Apple
This game held significant weight, marking the Knicks’ first home game in the Finals since 1999—a match they also lost to the Spurs. Trump’s attendance drew ire from fans, who faced lengthy waits to enter the arena while he sat in the stands. During a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the crowd unleashed a chorus of boos when the cameras caught him on the jumbotron, highlighting the polarising effect he has on the public.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal representative for the Bronx and Queens, took to social media during the game to urge Trump to stay alert, tweeting, “WAKE TF UP.” In an interview with The Independent, she elaborated on her feelings, stating, “You shut down all of midtown Manhattan, cancel every watch party so that you can show up, and then you’re gonna sleep in MSG, one of the loudest arenas in the world? That ticket cost way more than just the money; it cost everybody a good time.”
Blame and Accountability
The congresswoman did not shy away from directly attributing the Knicks’ defeat to Trump’s presence. She expressed concern that his attendance was a major distraction, particularly as the team was riding a 13-game winning streak prior to the game. “He absolutely jinxed the Knicks,” she asserted, also critiquing the referees for failing to call a flagrant foul on Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama against Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.
Despite Ocasio-Cortez’s passionate claims, not everyone agrees. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, while a supporter of the Knicks, dismissed the idea that Trump could influence the game’s outcome. “You cannot jinx the Knicks,” she remarked, standing firmly against the notion that external factors could determine the fate of the team.
A Divided Fanbase
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also a staunch Knicks fan, joined the chorus of criticism directed at Trump. He held a press conference wearing a Knicks hat, labelling the president a “fake fan” and questioning his basketball knowledge. “Does this guy even know the difference between Karl Rove and Karl Anthony Towns? I don’t think so,” he said. Jeffries expressed frustration that Trump’s involvement seemed to overshadow the significance of the game itself.
As the Knicks prepare for Game Four of the Finals, set for Wednesday evening, reports indicate that Trump will not attend, sparking mixed feelings among fans and players alike.
Why it Matters
The incident underscores the deep intertwining of sports and politics in America, particularly in a city as vibrant as New York. Trump’s controversial appearances often elicit strong reactions, reflecting the broader societal divisions that continue to permeate American culture. For Knicks fans, this was not just a game; it represented a long-awaited opportunity for triumph. The fallout from Trump’s presence may linger, adding yet another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere surrounding both the NBA Finals and the political landscape.
