Hours before Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs, New Yorkers gathered outside Madison Square Garden (MSG) burning sage and copal, hoping to improve their team's fortunes.
Protest Against 'Bad Energy'
Deisy, adorned in orange-and-blue, expressed her intent: "We’re saging the Madison! We had really bad energy here on Monday. MAGA Mussolini was here — and we gotta get rid of that energy!" Her comments referred to President Donald Trump, who attended the game on Monday, drawing boos as he appeared on the Jumbotron. Social media buzzed with claims that Trump dozed off during the game, though White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed these as fabrications.
Fans Blame Trump's 'Curse'
Fans, frustrated by a Game 3 loss following a 2-0 series lead, blame Trump for spreading "bad voodoo" and "weird energy". Avery, a Knicks fan, pointed to Trump's apparent unlucky influence: "He’s a curse to every team that he picks. He picked the Chiefs to win. They lost. He went to a Mets game. They lost. He went to the Knicks game, picked them to win. We lost."
Barricades Block Fans
Increased security measures, including a 12-block barrier, prevented fans without tickets from joining watch parties at MSG. Sadat, a vendor, reported a decline in business due to these barriers, which restricted access to his merchandise stand. Despite no Secret Service presence for Game 4, the barriers remained, with MSG canceling a planned watch party.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted the cancellation in a tweet, urging fans to support the team regardless of the restrictions. "Knicks in five," he declared.
Mixed Reactions to Security
While some fans criticized the barricades, others like Row Jones supported them for safety reasons. Officers, including Officer Niwa, described the increased security measures as "insane" but necessary, noting most were working extended hours to maintain order.
Fans continued to gather elsewhere, from Bryant Park to bars across the city, demonstrating their unwavering support despite the challenges. Pierre, another fan, lamented the restrictions: "It’s the antithesis of what New York should be about. Just let us be free to celebrate and support our team. We’re not caged animals!"
As Knicks fans navigate these challenges, the spirit of New York remains resilient in its support for the team.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/scene/news/knicks-trump-curse-fans-protest-msg-barriers-1236772041/
