Knicks' long-awaited NBA run electrifies NYC, with Trump set to attend key game

Heightened security, a strict no-bag policy and airport-style screening will greet fans, as US President Donald Trump attends a pivotal NBA Finals game on Monday evening in New York City.

The New York Knicks will clash with the San Antonio Spurs for game three of the finals - the first on their home turf of Madison Square Garden (MSG).

The Knicks, appearing in their first finals since 1999, hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, fuelling championship fever across the city.

The hottest ticket in town is drawing Mayor Zohran Mamdani as well as Trump. A parade of celebrities have been spotted at other recent games, including actors Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller, and filmmaker Spike Lee.

This season has represented a stunning reversal of fortunes for the Knicks after decades as one of the worst teams in the league.

Now with a 2-0 lead in the finals, they need to win just two more games, out of a possible seven, to win the national championship for the first time since 1973.

From the Empire State Building to One World Trade Center, skyscrapers have been lighting up the city's skyline orange and blue - the Knicks' team colours.

A subway station near Madison Square Garden has been given a Knicks-themed makeover, and businesses across New York City's five boroughs are offering meal deals and special orange-and-blue ice-cream and bagels.