Knicks Respond To Claims President Trump 'Fell Asleep' During Game 3

New York Knicks owner James Dolan is well aware of the rumors regarding President Donald Trump's behavior during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Trump showed up to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, much to the dismay of ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. Not only did Smith blame the presidnt for the Knicks losing at home, he said on "First Take" that Trump fell asleep in his suite at Madison Square Garden.

"The brother wasn't awake," Smith said. "Didn't you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe?' Well, what should we call you?"

Dolan, who sat next to Trump for Game 3, dismissed that rumor during an appearance on WFAN Radio this Wednesday.

"I was with him the whole time. We were talking the whole time. He was very much awake, he was very much engaged," Dolan said. "Look, that's the first sitting president of the United States to ever go to an NBA Finals. That's a huge honor - and he's a New Yorker. Whatever you think about him, he's a Knicks fan. I think he's a great guy. I've known him for over 30 years. Having him there was a great honor."

Dolan makes guarantee for Game 4.

The president of the United States is not expected to attend Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs due to "scheduling conflicts and obligations."

Obviously, Dolan will be in attendance for this pivotal game at Madison Square Garden. He guaranteed a win for Knicks fans while on WFAN.

"I expect to win tonight," Dolan said. "If I make predictions here, they come true. We're gonna win tonight, we're gonna win the Finals."

Game 4 will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 2:06 PM.