Cardi B blamed Donald Trump’s courtside presence for changing the mood at Madison Square Garden after the Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals to the Spurs.
The rapper, who performed during halftime Monday night, later told fans she felt the president’s visit brought an unusual energy into the arena. New York had been on a high for its first home NBA Finals game in decades, but the night ended with San Antonio beating the Knicks 115-111.
“It probably was [bad luck]. But it is what it is,” Cardi said in a clip shared to social media. “You can’t stop the president from … going to a game. But it did feel a little dark in there.”
Before the final score, Cardi gave Knicks fans a show of their own. She stepped into the halftime spotlight with “Bodega Baddie” from Am I the Drama? and followed with “Bodak Yellow,” the song that helped turn her from Bronx favorite into a global star.
Still, the rapper said the arena did not feel like a regular Knicks party. Trump’s appearance brought increased security, long lines, and heavy crowds outside Madison Square Garden, and fans also booed him inside the building. He was also reportedly captured on camera falling asleep.
“It felt like the principal was there, and everybody had to be on their best behavior,” Cardi continued, adding that she was still proud of the team.
The Knicks and Spurs meet again for Game 4 on June 10.
