Knicks put Spurs on ropes, lead 2-0 in NBA Finals

There was a time when Donald Trump was just another celebrity sitting courtside at New York Knicks games. He was famous, but not yet flanked by Secret Service agents or defined by the politics that have left him deeply unpopular in his hometown.

Now, more than a decade after attending his last Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, Trump is making a rare trip back to New York City as president to cheer for them in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, he will be the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.

The Knicks are seeking their first championship since 1973, when Trump was 26 and a relative newcomer to the family real estate business that vaulted him to wealth and fame. Two years after that triumph, the team's owners at the time hired him as a consultant as they looked to sell the arena.

A strict no-bag policy will be in place at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks and Spurs face off for Game 3.

President Trump is expected to attend and fans should expect additional security measures before the game.

The NYPD says 17 people were arrested and charged following Friday night's Knicks Game 2 watch party outside Madison Square Garden.

Police estimate about 6,500 people attended the event. Authorities say the crowd became disorderly, with people climbing light poles, food vendor carts and subway entrances while blocking traffic along Seventh and Eighth avenues between West 31st and West 35th streets.

According to police, one person jumped over a barrier into a restricted area and allegedly punched an officer in the face multiple times when officers attempted to remove them. The officer suffered facial lacerations, received medical treatment and was later released.

Police also say several people were arrested for selling counterfeit merchandise. One of those individuals was additionally charged with possessing a loaded firearm.

In total, 26 people were taken into custody. Police say 17 were arrested and charged, while nine others were issued criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct and released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Crystal Cranmore reports that charges are pending against nearly 2 dozen Knicks fans in the aftermath of Game 2 celebrations.

There was pandemonium inside and outside Madison Square Garden on Friday night after Game 2 went down to the wire and the Knicks won 105-104.

CeFaan Kim has more from fans in Midtown as MSG hosted packed watch parties.