New York (AFP) - New York’s fabled Madison Square Garden went into virtual lockdown Monday as police threw a tight security cordon around the venue where President Donald Trump is attending game three of the NBA Finals with his hometown Knicks.

Authorities have barred fans without tickets from coming within several blocks of the Manhattan venue, and have banned watch parties directly outside – a break from the first two playoff games, which drew jubilant crowds.

Officials have urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Tuesday) tip-off to clear airport-style security screening. Bags will not be permitted inside.

“The message is simple: celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets for the game,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference.

AFP journalists on Monday saw a 10-foot (three-meter) fence around parts of Madison Square Garden and a large presence of Secret Service personnel charged with protecting the US president.

The agents, some heavily armed, were accompanied by hundreds of NYPD officers as crowds gathered on streets near the venue and at public viewing areas elsewhere in the city.

- ‘Leave us alone’ -

Some New Yorkers and Democrats criticized Trump, a Republican, for the inconvenience his visit caused the city on the major game day.

“During one of the best moments NYC has enjoyed in decades, (Trump) makes it all about himself. Trump should LEAVE US ALONE! He’s not wanted here,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.

Knicks fan Anthony Pulley, 43, told AFP he appreciated Trump coming to the game even if he found the disruption annoying.

“I think it sucks. I think it really put a damper on all the watch parties. But it’s pretty cool he wants to show up and be a part of it,” he said.

The Knicks have a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of seven series against the San Antonio Spurs, and now the action shifts to the Big Apple for games three and four.

The team, chasing their first basketball championship since 1973, have whipped up a feverish following in the largest US city.

- ‘Protect the president’ -

Ticket prices for Monday’s game are out of reach for most New Yorkers, but the self-proclaimed “World’s Most Famous Arena” will still be packed to the rafters, with celebrity fans courtside.

Among those attending is New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who told reporters he paid nearly $1,000 for his tickets. He is not expected to watch alongside Trump.

The Secret Service plans to deploy counter-drone technology as part of its operation to protect the US leader, who has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years.

Trump, a long-time Knicks fan, last visited Madison Square Garden in November 2024 to watch a UFC fight after his election victory. He earlier held a campaign rally at the venue.

“The Secret Service’s focus is straightforward: to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience, while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States,” Special Agent Matt McCool told reporters.

Meanwhile, police have downplayed broader security concerns after a stabbing late Sunday wounded six people at Penn Station, which sits beneath the venue. US media described the male suspect as emotionally disturbed with no terror links.