NEW YORK — President Donald Trump responded Tuesday to ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith's pregame prediction that he would blame Trump if the New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, dismissing the remarks while describing Smith as a "nice guy" but questioning his qualifications for higher office.

The exchange added a political layer to an already star-studded and dramatic night at Madison Square Garden, where the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Knicks 115-111 on Monday, narrowing New York's series lead to 2-1. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points in the victory.

Before the game, Smith, a prominent Knicks supporter and vocal analyst, expressed strong opposition to Trump's attendance. He warned that the president's presence would create unnecessary chaos in Midtown Manhattan and vowed to hold Trump responsible for any Knicks defeat.

"If they lose tonight, I'm looking right at him. I'm saying it. This is just me. I'm blaming him. I'm blaming the president of the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight," Smith said on air.

Trump, seated in a luxury suite as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. His appearance drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, with notable boos captured on broadcast cameras, though he later characterized the reception positively.

After the loss, Trump addressed Smith's comments directly when asked by reporters. "I think he's a nice guy, but you need a certain........

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