Donald Trump may not have been inside Madison Square Garden for Game 4, but New York Knicks fans say he was still the biggest storyline. After the Knicks pulled off the largest comeback in NBA Finals history to take a 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, social media erupted with jokes about the so-called 'Trump Curse.' The backlash stems from Game 3, when Trump attended the Finals at MSG and was met with boos from sections of the crowd. The Knicks lost that night, ending a 13-game winning streak. Before Game 4, some fans even staged a viral 'cleansing' ritual outside the arena, burning sage in an attempt to remove what they called bad luck.
Mamdani's Explosive Remarks
Comedian and political commentator Mamdani didn't hold back, dropping an F-bomb on Trump during a post-game show. He referred to the former president with a derogatory 'J' nickname, sparking widespread reactions on social media. The incident quickly went viral, with many users sharing clips of the outburst.
Trump's Presence at Game 3
Trump's appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals was met with a mixed response. While some fans cheered, a significant portion of the crowd booed loudly. The Knicks' subsequent loss fueled speculation that Trump's presence brought bad luck, leading to the 'Trump Curse' narrative.
Fan Rituals and Social Media Frenzy
In a bid to reverse the perceived curse, fans performed a cleansing ritual outside Madison Square Garden before Game 4. The event was livestreamed and shared widely on platforms like Twitter and TikTok. The Knicks' historic comeback victory in Game 4 further intensified the online discourse, with many crediting the cleansing ceremony for the team's success.
The Knicks now lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from their first NBA championship in decades. Meanwhile, Trump has not commented on the backlash, but the incident has become a major talking point in both sports and political circles.
