New York Knicks fans blamed President Donald Trump for ending the team's 13-game winning streak after a loss to the San Antonio Spurs [1].
The incident highlights the intersection of sports superstition and political tension during the NBA Finals. For a fanbase desperate for a championship, the sudden collapse of a dominant run created a focal point for frustration centered on the president's presence at the arena.
The loss occurred on June 8, 2026 [3], during Game 3 of the NBA Finals [2]. The game took place at Madison Square Garden in New York [4]. The Knicks had entered the contest riding a streak of 13 consecutive victories [1].
Fans expressed their anger through chants and social media, suggesting that the president's attendance acted as a jinx. "Trump cursed us. He showed up and we lost," one fan said [5]. Others linked the timing of the defeat directly to the president's entrance into the building.
"We were on a 13-game run and it ended the moment he walked in," a fan said [6].
The atmosphere inside the arena remained volatile following the final buzzer. A Reuters video reporter said the crowd was chanting "Trump out" after the game [7]. This reaction mirrored the sentiment of supporters who believe the president's visibility brings bad luck to the franchise.
Despite the noise from the stands, the loss marks a critical shift in the series momentum. The Knicks must now recover from the defeat to maintain their standing in the Finals against the Spurs.
“"Trump cursed us. He showed up and we lost."”
This reaction reflects the high-pressure environment of the NBA Finals, where fans often seek external explanations for unexpected losses. By attributing the end of a 13-game streak to a political figure, the fanbase is engaging in a common sporting phenomenon where superstition is used to process the psychological blow of a high-stakes defeat.
