Silver spoke just before the start of game three of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the Finals had not been played since 1999 and where the Knicks, leading the series 2-0 and on a 14-game playoff win streak, seek their first NBA crown since 1973.
“It’s incredible. I haven’t seen anything like this,” Silver said.
“I don’t remember anything here like this. I think it has so much to do with the 53-year gap from the last championship… people in this town are ready to celebrate.“
Among the spectators packing the arena was Trump, who had watched from courtside in the past in his days as a New York real estate developer.
“He’s welcome to be here,” Silver said.
“What makes sports so special when there’s so much that divides people is that there’s something that we have in common and we should look for those things that we have in common and build off that.
“Back in the old days he had courtside seats. He was here all the time. He was at drafts. So he’s a genuine Knicks fan.“
Expanded security measures for Trump’s attendance led to fans being asked to arrive two hours before tip-off and cancellation of a watch party outside the arena.
“Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans here but when looking around at the arena, it’s packed, so people listened and they came early, they got through whatever extra security, which is necessary,” Silver said.
“So as I said, I think we should be using sports to create more of a sense of community with people, not less.“
That NBA community has dominated New York even with a US co-hosted FIFA World Cup only days away.
“I haven’t seen anything like it,” Silver said. “The World Cup is coming to New York and I’m a big soccer fan too but all people are talking about are these Finals in town. You can feel it everywhere you go.“
Silver also notes the global excitement for the Knicks and Spurs, who boast French superstar Victor Wembanyama.
“It’s not just national, it’s global. The Knicks have a big following everywhere,” Silver said. “People are watching and following this everywhere.“
