Spurs take Game 3 as Trump visit brings added security to NBA Finals

The San Antonio Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals Monday night, defeating the New York Knicks 115-111 at Madison Square Garden.

(CNN)- The San Antonio Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals Monday night, defeating the New York Knicks 115-111 at Madison Square Garden.

The win came in front of a packed crowd in New York, where the Finals returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1999. The highly anticipated matchup also drew heightened security measures due to the attendance of President Donald Trump.

Marine One landed along the East River ahead of the game, and the presidential motorcade traveled through Manhattan to the arena before tipoff. The increased security presence caused some disruptions for fans attending the game. A planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden was canceled following arrests at a separate viewing party on Friday. Some fans expressed frustration with the additional restrictions while acknowledging the historic nature of the event.

“It’s definitely caused a lot of disruption,” one fan said. “I understand they’re taking heavy precautions because he’s the president. But I feel like as Knicks fans, we need to enjoy this moment.”

President Trump was seated in a private box inside the arena. During the national anthem, loud boos could be heard throughout Madison Square Garden when he appeared on the jumbotron. Despite the off-court attention, the game remained competitive throughout the night, with the Spurs holding off the Knicks late to secure the victory.

The Knicks and Spurs will meet again Wednesday night in New York for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.