Stephen A. Smith Accuses President Trump Of Falling Asleep At Game 3

Stephen A. Smith and President Donald Trump appear content with having a long-distance feud.

Prior to tipoff for Game 3 on Monday night, Smith said he'd blame Trump if the New York Knicks lost. The charismatic ESPN personality had an issue with the president showing up to the NBA Finals.

"This president has no business showing up in New York City. I am dead serious. It is selfish, it is narcissistic, it is ridiculous that he is coming to this game," Smith said. "If it causes the New York Knicks to lose tonight, I'm blaming him. I'm blaming the president of the United States! I'm gonna stay on that. And damnit, I hope the GOP loses votes because of it if we lose tonight! I'm gonna be against them. All of them! I'm telling you right now. We better not lost tonight's game."

After the Knicks fell short to the Spurs at home, Trump fired back at the "First Take" analyst.

"I think he's a nice guy but you need a certain aptitude to run for president," Trump said. "You need a high IQ, I'm not sure Stephen A. Smith has that."

Smith wasn't going to let Trump get the last word. He claims the president fell asleep during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

"The brother wasn't awake," Smith said. "Didn't you call out former President Joe Biden, 'Sleepy Joe?' Well, what should we call you?"

Will the president attend Game 4?

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the current expectation is that Trump will not attend Game 4 at Madison Square Garden due to "scheduling conflicts and obligations."

Charania added that Trump watched the "majority of Game 3" from a suite with James Dolan.

Tipoff for Game 4 is at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Regardless of the result, the series will return to San Antonio for Game 5.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 11:36 AM.