Stephen A. Smith calls Trump selfish, narcissistic for attending NBA Finals

The NBA Finals atmosphere at Madison Square Garden is set to reach a fever pitch for Game 3, but Stephen A. Smith isn't happy about one notable attendee. The ESPN personality took to First Take on Monday to blast President Donald Trump’s decision to attend the matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, labeling the visit as both selfish and narcissistic.

A Logistical Nightmare

Trump is slated to become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, a move that Smith believes is inherently disruptive. During Monday's segment, Smith argued that the president has no business bringing a security detail to midtown Manhattan on a game day.

"This is the Garden. This is midtown Manhattan. Do you have any idea what the congestion is going to be like in New York City here?" Smith said. He noted that he was personally instructed to head to the arena hours in advance of the 8:30 p.m. tip-off just to beat the expected gridlock caused by the presidential motorcade.

Smith emphasized that his criticism wasn't rooted in political bias, noting, "I would say the same thing if it were Obama, George W., Clinton, I don’t give a damn if we went back to Reagan."

Security Disruptions in the Big Apple

The security requirements for the visit have forced significant changes for fans. The NYPD and Secret Service have established a multi-block perimeter, resulting in a strict no-bag policy for attendees and the forced cancellation of a popular outdoor watch party.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the situation during a Monday news conference, acknowledging the frustration. "The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden," Tisch said. She added that officials hope to resume watch parties for Game 4, noting that New Yorkers are accustomed to the lockdowns that accompany presidential visits.

The Knicks head into Game 3 aiming to maintain momentum after a historic run that has seen them secure 13 consecutive victories. The franchise is currently chasing its first NBA title since 1973, looking to secure a victory in the finals for the first time since 1999.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. For more sports coverage, stay tuned to 205focus.com.