NBA Finals: Trump's presence cancels Knicks party for Game 3

Due to increased security due to the presence of President Donald Trump, there will be no party to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals, on Monday night (8), around Madison Square Garden, the New York Police Department announced on Sunday afternoon (7).

The New York Knicks return home with a 2-0 lead after winning their first two games on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. That's 13 consecutive playoff wins, a streak that dates back to the first round series against the Atlanta Hawks, the second longest of its kind in NBA history.

Crowds of people gathering outside the arena to watch away games - of which New York have won eight in a row - on a big screen outside Madison Square Garden have become a tradition.

More than two dozen people were arrested after a party to watch Game 2 on Friday (5), including a woman who punched a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer in the face, the institution said.

Madison Square Garden issued a press release that appeared to indicate the decision did not stem from Trump's presence at the game.

"The permit application for the Game 3 viewing party at Plaza33 was denied by the city's licensing department, after consultation with the New York Police Department (NYPD)," the statement read.

"However, the White House will confirm this has nothing to do with the President. We understand that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden."

The New York police, however, pointed to the visit as the reason, leaving open the possibility of a party to watch Game 4 on Wednesday (11), which would be a decisive opportunity if the Knicks win Game 3.

"There will be no game viewing parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This decision was made in full coordination with the Secret Service in light of the Presidential visit. We expect game viewing parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4," the statement said.

For Game 3, the team will hold game viewing events at Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bowl, according to the official website. These events required prior registration and were already full on Sunday (6).

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Source: CNN