Madison Square Garden is expected to be packed with enthusiastic New York Knicks fans on Monday night as the team returns home for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but attention may also be focused on two high-profile political figures expected to be in attendance.

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have both announced plans to attend the game and support the Knicks as they look to strengthen their position in the championship series.

The Knicks enter Game 3 holding a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals after winning the opening two games on the road.

Trump, a longtime Knicks supporter who frequently attended games courtside before returning to the White House, said he received a personal invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the president praised the team and credited Dolan for helping build a championship contender.

“They’re a great team,” Trump said. “I’m happy for Jim because he has worked hard to put together a team like this.”

Security considerations are expected to influence seating arrangements for the president, making it unlikely he will occupy his customary courtside position. Details regarding where Trump will sit and who may accompany him have not been disclosed.

Mayor Mamdani is also expected to be among the thousands of fans inside the arena for the highly anticipated matchup.

The mayor confirmed his attendance during an interview on New York radio station 1010 WINS, emphasizing that he would be purchasing his own ticket for the game.

Monday’s contest marks the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in decades and has generated enormous excitement across the city. Ticket demand has surged, with resale prices reaching record levels as fans seek to witness the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA championship since 1973.

With basketball history on the line and two of New York’s most prominent political figures expected in attendance, Game 3 promises to be one of the most closely watched sporting events of the year.