President Donald Trump is a "genuine" New York Knicks fan, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver said his presence at Game 3 of the NBA Finals is worth the hassle for fans.
Trump is a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan at Monday night's game between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. This is the first Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
"He’s welcome to be here," Silver said. "What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is it’s something that we have in common. We should look for those things that we have in common and build off that," Silver told the NBA Tip-Off crew before the game.
Trump has gone to many sporting events during both his terms as president, including the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. That he would come to Madison Square Garden is not a surprise, given his long affinity with the Knicks.
Silver said Trump was once a "fixture" at Knicks games and had courtside seats. He'd even come to the NBA drafts.
"So he’s a genuine Knicks fan," Silver said.
But Trump's presence meant security was heightened, with fans told to arrive at Madison Square Garden at least two hours before tipoff. The security perimeter around the arena also was extended, prohibiting vehicular and foot traffic in anticipation of Trump's arrival.
"Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans here but looking around at the arena, it’s packed," Silver said. "So people listened, they came early, they got through whatever extra security which is necessary.
"As I said, I think we should be using sports to create more of a sense of community with people, not less."
Spike Lee is maybe hoping to give the Knicks an extra blessing on Monday night.
The “Do the Right Thing” director sported a custom Pope Leo XIV Knicks jersey for Game 3 of the NBA Finals after receiving it at the Vatican last year.
Pope Leo is a Villanova alum, like Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Lee, on his Instagram account earlier on Monday, revealed he’d wear the autographed blue jersey he got signed during a visit with the pontiff in November. He’s worn the jersey at least one other time this postseason, donning it for Game 2 in the first round against the Hawks.
The Knicks superfan is a fixture along celebrity row throughout the season, and his presence has been felt at Madison Square Garden — and on the road — throughout the run to the NBA Finals, including making a trip to San Antonio for New York’s thrilling come-from-behind win in Game 1.
Pope Leo XIV BACKGRID
Lee also sat down with the “Inside the NBA” pregame show on ESPN, which showed his looks throughout the years during prior Knicks seasons.
When Lee was asked about other celebrities who have been on this Knicks ride, he mentioned his own bona fides as a longtime fan and not a bandwagoner.
“I got my season tickets the morning after Dave DeBusschere pulled out the — I don’t know if it was hold or cold envelope, I don’t know,” Lee said of the famous 1985 draft lottery in which the Knicks got the top pick, using it to choose Patrick Ewing. “And I jumped on the subway, and I slept on line.
“So I’ve had season tickets since Patrick Ewing’s rookie year. But I didn’t start courtside.”
Spike Lee with his Pope Leo jersey during Game 2 of the first round against the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Lee added that he could have sold his seats for Game 3 for “half a million” dollars.
Lee, after the Knicks swept away the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, said he didn’t care who New York played in the NBA Finals. He believes this is a Knicks team of destiny.
“I don’t care about San Antonio. OKC. We’re going to win. May 8, 1970 [the first Knicks championship]. I was at the Willis Reed game. Thirteen years old,” Lee said at the end of May. “So going to keep it going. This is a team of destiny, heart, drive. … It reminds me of Willis, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, Cazzie Russell. I’m going back. I’m old, though.”
Donald Trump salutes during the national anthem at the NBA finals.Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Donald Trump was loudly booed when he was shown on the video screens at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before Game 3 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Trump was shown on the jumbotron while the Star-Spangled Banner was being sung before the game, and jeers and boos broke out around the arena. The president was shown for a little over eight seconds and held a salute the whole time with a smile on his face. A few seconds later, the video board showed Knicks players in line and the boos turned to cheers.
The US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended as the guest of team owner James Dolan as New York hosted their first NBA finals game since 1999. Trump entered the arena amid a heavy security presence. He watched the game from the owner’s box above center court, while Secret Service personnel commandeered the neighboring suites on either side. Also in the box were Dolan, interior secretary Doug Burgum,
transportation secretary Sean Duffy and Trump’s granddaughter Kai.
Trump’s appearance added another layer of spectacle to a city already in the thrall of basketball fever. The Knicks entered the night carrying a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs and seeking to move within one victory of their first championship since 1973.
Hours before tipoff, fans encountered heightened security around Madison Square Garden. A 10-foot perimeter fence surrounded the arena, ticket holders were advised to arrive at least two hours early and the team implemented a strict no-bag policy.
By midday, dozens of fans were already queueing to pass through metal detectors manned by Secret Service agents to access the team store.
“He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans,” said Joanne Cadden, 53, a Knicks supporter from the Bronx who has followed the team since the early 1990s. “You’re making people go away from the Garden. This wasn’t the time.”
Gesturing toward the fencing and checkpoints surrounding the arena, Cadden added: “This looks like prison.”
Not every fan objected to Trump’s attendance, but many said it had altered the atmosphere around one of the biggest nights in the team’s history.
Rich Becker, a 54-year-old Knicks fan from Queens who came to Midtown despite not having a ticket, said the president’s visit had changed the feel of the day, including the cancellation of the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games.
“It changed everything,” Becker said. “Should he be here? I don’t think he should, but he’s coming. He used to be a Knicks fan. He spent a lot of time at the Garden back in the day. But now it’s a little different. Just stay away.”
Becker said he worried the extensive screening procedures could affect the atmosphere inside the building.
“There is some concern,” he said. “Not everybody’s going to be in their seats by tip-off.”
Beginning at around 4pm, authorities sealed off several blocks around the arena, creating what NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a “frozen zone”. The restrictions encompassed the area between West 30th and West 35th Streets and Sixth and Eighth Avenues, with police checkpoints limiting access to ticket holders, rail passengers, credentialed personnel and others with an authorized reason to enter.
The restrictions also led officials to cancel the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games, though city officials said other viewing events, including ones at Bryant Park and Central Park’s Wollman Rink, would go ahead as planned. The watch party outside MSG was expected to return for Game 4 on Wednesday.
The precautions echoed scenes from Trump’s appearance at last year’s US Open men’s final in Queens, where security bottlenecks produced lengthy queues outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite a delayed start, thousands of fans were still filing into their seats well into the second set.
The heightened security followed massive celebrations around the Garden after New York’s Game 2 victory in San Antonio on Friday. Thousands of fans packed the surrounding streets, while police said multiple arrests were made after some supporters climbed light poles, blocked traffic and refused orders to disperse following the Knicks’ win.
Trump confirmed last week that he planned to attend the game after receiving an invitation from Dolan. His appearance on Monday night made him the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game.
While Trump has become a regular presence at major sporting events during his second term, including the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup, his appearance at Madison Square Garden carried particular resonance. Long before entering politics, he was a fixture courtside during the Knicks’ 1990s glory years.
Trump’s appearance also placed two of the city’s most prominent political figures under one roof. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani was also in attendance. He told reporters earlier in the day that he bought a standing-room only ticket from Madison Square Garden for about $1,000.
Other prominent names at Madison Square Garden on Monday included Knicks fans Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart and Tracy Morgan.
For Tom Meade, 76, who attended Knicks playoff games during the franchise’s championship era and brought his son Tommy to Monday’s game, the fences, checkpoints and presidential motorcade were ultimately secondary to the occasion itself.
“This is amazing,” Meade said as fans streamed toward the Garden. “The only thing close to it was the Willis Reed and Walt Frazier years. Those championship teams [in 1970 and 1973].”
The heightened security was “a nuisance”, he added, “but we’re here to enjoy the game and the Knicks.”
Trump officially became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday, June 8.
After a few chants of "USA, USA, USA" for the flag, Trump was booed loudly when he was shown on the large video screens during the national anthem. The president was saluting and smiled slightly as the boos grew. Once the feed showed Knicks players, the cheering returned.
Trump was in a suite, protected by thick glass on three sides, though open on top. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump's granddaughter Kai were in the suite with Trump.
Trump's large motorcade rolled up to the Garden at 7:28 p.m., with intense security locking down most of midtown for his arrival. His route to the game took him down the FDR and he was greeted by signs that included, "Nobody wants you here," and "Trump Must Go."
"Before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of Trump, according to multiple reports. "I’ve been with the league for a long time. I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden, and he actually appeared in one of our 'I love this Game' spots when I was running NBA Entertainment years ago."
Silver noted there would be extra security precautions due to Trump's expected attendance at Monday's game. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also planned to attend Game 3, though NBC 4 in New York reported Mamdani purchased his own ticket.
Trump told reporters on Thursday, June 4 that he watched the beginning and end of NBA Finals Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs and marveled at 7-foot-4 San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks are attempting to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
"Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump said. "He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing."
Trump has frequented major sporting events during his second term as president, with appearances at the Super Bowl, college football national championship game, Ryder Cup, Daytona 500 and numerous UFC events. Last year, he also attended the U.S. Open men's tennis final in New York.
Knicks fans have been waiting a long time for this one.
For the first time in 25 years, New York hosted the NBA Finals on Monday.
While prices were through the roof and things were a bit chaotic getting into Madison Square Garden, that didn’t prevent the orange and blue faithful from bringing the energy right off the bat.
Knicks fans were sure to give their heroes a warm welcome back home as they took the court just two wins away from their first championship since 1973.
Here are some of the scenes from intros and warmups at MSG…
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Jase Bowen #4 of the San Diego Padres takes the field during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park on June 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cincinnati Reds (31-33) at San Diego Padres (33-31), June 8, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST
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NBA legend Michael Jordan was hit hard by the death of former teammate Stacey King, who died at 59 after a serious fall at his home on Saturday.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing. We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball,” Jordan said in a statement. “My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.”
Jordan, 63, and King spent four seasons and change together after King was drafted by the Bulls No. 6 overall in the 1989 NBA Draft.
Stacey King (left) and Michael Jordan during a 1991 Bulls game. NBAE via Getty Images
Jordan had already risen to stardom in the NBA, but had yet to win his first championship.
King, who played mainly as a reserve with the Bulls, helped Jordan three-peat as champion between 1991-’93.
The forward’s best year in Chicago was his rookie season, when he averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
“We are grateful for everything Stacey gave to the Chicago Bulls and to the city he proudly called home,” the Bulls said after King’s death. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the memories he helped create, and the enduring place he holds in Bulls history.
Basketball legend and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan was spotted enjoying a luxury Mediterranean getaway alongside his wife. BACKGRID
After 31 games with the Bulls during the 1993-94 season, King was traded to the Timberwolves.
He spent the next five years bouncing between the Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks.
After retiring from the NBA, King became an Emmy-winning color commentator for NBC Sports Chicago and the Chicago Sports Network.
Chicago Bulls television announcer Stacey King attends the first half of an NBA basketball game. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
He also had his own podcast called “Gimme The Hotsauces,” named after one of his iconic calls.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans… We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JUNE 02: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts during action against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at American Family Field on June 02, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a three-game sweep in Colorado, the Brewers finish up their western road trip with a preview of the future for the Athletics. They are heading to Las Vegas to play three games in the ballpark of the Triple-A affiliate.
Kyle Harrison leads off the rotation for the Brewers in this series. Despite his stellar season, Harrison has had to shine in the shadow of Jacob Misiorowski so far. His last start came against the Giants, where he allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings while striking out 12. That one run came on a solo home run in his final inning. He has faced the Athletics once in his career, and that came with his first appearance with the Red Sox. In that game, he pitched three scoreless innings with two strikeouts, and the only baserunner he allowed was a hit by pitch.
For the Athletics, Jeffrey Springs makes the start. He is in his ninth season in the majors, and his second season with the Athletics. Springs has had an OK year, posting a 4.37 ERA and 4.98 FIP over 13 starts, along with a 7.7 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. He has allowed at least four runs in six of his starts this season, including four of his last five (though one of those had three unearned runs). In his last start, he allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs, though the Athletics won that game in extra innings. Springs has taken several losses, and the Athletics have only won two of the last nine games he’s started. This is his third career start against the Brewers. They faced him last year in Milwaukee, when they hit him for six runs on five hits and four walks in 2 1/3 innings.
Before tonight’s game, the Brewers made a couple of roster moves. Joel Kuhnel has been added to the active roster after being acquired from the Athletics over the weekend. To make a roster space for him, Craig Yoho was optioned back down to Triple-A Nashville. He pitched two good innings on Friday, but will have to wait for another chance later. Also, Jake Woodford cleared waivers and was outrighted to Nashville, but elected to become a free agent instead. Finally, right-handed reliever Carlos Rodriguez, who has been with the Brewers since May 24 but hasn’t appeared since May 30, was placed on the 15-day IL with an undisclosed injury.
After using a Sunday lineup yesterday, the Brewers have most of the regulars back in the lineup. The top five of Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Jake Bauers has become standard now, with manager Pat Murphy using that top five for the 10th time in the last 13 games (including tonight). With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, Andrew Vaughn gets the start at first. While Murphy is getting the right-handed batters into the lineup, Garrett Mitchell gets the start since his splits against LHP are much better than Sal Frelick. Luis Rengifo and Joey Ortiz round out the lineup.
First pitch is at 9:05 p.m., with a first pitch temperature forecast of 96 degrees. The game will be on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
By all indications, it appears as though the relationship between Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings could be coming to a close.
Last week, it was released by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman that Larkin had requested to be moved from the Red Wings, who selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft and later made him the 37th captain in team history in 2021.
Whether or not Larkin's trade request was meant to go public so quickly remains unknown, but once it leaked, there was no way it was staying under wraps.
Friedman, who initially reported Larkin's trade request on Thursday afternoon, offered his latest speculation on the ongoing saga.
"I think people hoped that it would stay quiet, but it's too big," Friedman said. "Like, there was no way that was staying quiet. Pierre LeBrun reported the other day that the Red Wings have been given a small list of teams."
As also reported by longtime beat writer Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press, the alleged three teams that Larkin would accept a trade to include the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, a short list that would greatly complicate matters for GM Steve Yzerman.
However, Friedman also speculated on the chances of the Dallas Stars or even the Anaheim Ducks potentially entering the fold.
"I've heard Minnesota, I've heard Dallas," Friedman said. "I have to believe the two Florida teams, and I've not heard Anaheim, but I've had people say to me, 'Anaheim's a team that could do it."
"But I think he wants to go into a situation where they're primed to win."
Larkin has multiple connections to players on his reported three-team trade list, and they're all teammates from the gold medal-winning Team USA roster from the Milan Winter Olympics: Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy (and GM Bill Guerin) of the Wild, Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights, and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers.
But if Yzerman feels that he isn't able to get an adequate trade package in return from one of the aforementioned teams, it could lead to an awkward and drawn-out situation with no specific timeline of being resolved.
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Sunday marked a full-circle moment for Mike Brown.
One day before Game 3 at Madison Square Garden — the first NBA Finals game at The World’s Most Famous Arena since 1999 — Brown was asked about his first experience at the arena as Knicks head coach.
“I was like, holy crap, I can’t believe this is where I’m going to be coaching,” Brown said. “The biggest thing was when I got to the bench where we sit, and I kind of turned and looked at the crowd; I saw my wife and family, like, three rows back, I was like, dang, thanks, Mr. Dolan; that’s pretty nice.
Ben Stiller and Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks smile during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“Just obviously the building, but more importantly when you get in and you look, for me, I see my family right there, then obviously all the stars. It makes it feel different than almost any other building you’ve been in.”
Brown’s relationship with those stars has grown from that moment to Monday, which was expected to be one of the most star-studded and electric atmospheres in New York City history.
For starters, there was a time his wife, Carolyn, was too starstruck to approach Ben Stiller.
“Ben Stiller was over there,” Brown said earlier this postseason. “I don’t think I’ve ever met Ben, but he was over there, and she was like, ‘Ben’s over there.’ I was like, ‘Go get a picture. I’m sure he’ll take a picture with you.’ [She was like], ‘No, I can’t do it.’ ”
Fast-forward to Sunday. Stiller was in attendance at Knicks practice, filming as much content as he could. Brown said Sunday was when he first officially met Stiller.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown during Sunday’s practice at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As Brown walked off the podium following his press conference, he embraced Stiller and the two sent a message to Carolyn. They looked like two peas in a pod.
“When you see him next time, approach him,” Brown said with his arm around Stiller. “He’s gonna take a picture with you.”
Another celebrity was in attendance at Brown’s press conference: Fat Joe. Brown has become tight with the rapper this year, sharing what he describes as a friendship.
More Coverage on the Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals
“A great day for me today,” Brown said as the press conference got started, before any questions could be asked. “For the first time, I got a chance to meet Ben Stiller. I actually gave him a handshake and a hug. And I got my man Fat Joe sitting in the back. This is a great day for Mike Brown.”
When Brown was done answering questions from the media, Fat Joe chimed in and yelled at Brown that he hates his shoes. It’s part of a long-running joke between the two about Brown’s preference to wear old-school P.F. Flyers.
“He used to kill me about my shoes,” Brown said. “He used to kill me. He’d try to tell me I need to get some Nikes because they got more cushion and all this stuff.”
But Brown did not listen to Fat Joe’s advice. His P.F. Flyers have become a good luck charm for him, so much so that Fat Joe changed his tune.
“I need you to keep them on, Coach,” he said, adding that if the Knicks win the championship, he wants an autographed pair from Brown.
Brown began his Knicks tenure having to fill Tom Thibodeau’s shoes. Now, though, he has celebrities obsessing over his own.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
When: Monday, June 8 at 8:30 PM EST
How to watch: ABC
Betting Line: NY -1.5 (subject to change), O/U 216.5 (subject to change) via FanDuel
Suns general manager Brian Gregory speaks during his introductory news conference on May 6, 2025, in Phoenix. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The NBA Draft is drawing near, and with it comes the question of whether the Phoenix Suns will stay put at No. 47 overall or once again look to move around the board. This is an organization that has shown a willingness to be aggressive on draft night.
Since Brian Gregory arrived two offseasons ago, before eventually assuming the role of general manager last offseason, Phoenix has consistently sought opportunities to maximize its draft capital. Two years ago, the Suns maneuvered around the draft board to acquire Ryan Dunn. They then used assets gained during that process to move up in the second round and select Oso Ighodaro. Last year followed a similar pattern. The Suns traded Kevin Durant and acquired the 10th overall pick, a selection Phoenix originally held. They used it to draft Khaman Maluach, then turned around and utilized additional draft assets from the Durant trade to move up to No. 31 overall, where they selected Rasheer Fleming.It was a masterclass in draft navigation.
That’s what makes this year’s draft so interesting. The Suns may only own the 47th pick at the moment, but recent history suggests they’re never content to simply sit back and let the draft come to them. If Brian Gregory and the front office identify a player they believe in, they’ve shown a willingness to get creative in order to go get him. That’s something worth remembering as draft night approaches.
It’s not a foreign concept to think the Phoenix Suns could be moving around the draft board when the NBA Draft takes place on June 23 and 24. This is no longer the James Jones era, when draft picks often felt more like an annoyance than an opportunity. That said, moving up the board comes with a cost. If the Suns want to climb from No. 47, they’ll likely have to sacrifice future draft capital to do it.
And that raises an important question. Is now the right time? For a team that doesn’t have the luxury of cap flexibility working in its favor, is it wise to add another young player whose salary could create additional financial challenges?
Take the 17th overall pick as an example. If Phoenix were to execute a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and acquire that selection, the rookie would carry a cap hit of roughly $4.6 million for the 2026-27 season. Realistically, what is the path to meaningful minutes for that player next season?
That’s part of the equation. Every dollar matters for a team trying to bring back Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and potentially Mark Williams. The Suns are walking a delicate line between adding youth and maintaining continuity. It’s a balancing act.
On one side sits the desire to inject more young talent into the organization. On the other sits the reality of the cap sheet and the importance of keeping together the core pieces that helped establish the team’s identity last season.
What should the organization do? Should they move up the board and invest further in youth? Or should they stand pat at No. 47, select a player who is likely destined for a two-way contract, and continue focusing on continuity while preserving financial flexibility? That’s the question facing Phoenix as draft season approaches. That’s the question we have before you today.
Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour has made his decision on which goalie will start Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday, June 9.
But he's not revealing whether Frederik Andersen or Brandon Bussi will play against the Vegas Golden Knights.
"It's the only suspenseful thing around here that I have to hold onto," he told reporters on Monday, June 8. "It seems to have taken a life of its own, so I kind of enjoy it."
Andersen, who has started every playoff game, didn't take part in practice on Monday. Brind'Amour said it was a maintenance day.
The reason the starting goalie is even a question is because Brind'Amour pulled Andersen for Bussi during the Hurricanes' Game 3 loss.
Brind'Amour inserted Bussi at the start of the third period. The backup goalie stopped 18 of 19 shots in the third period and two overtime periods, allowing only Shea Theodore's fluke goal.
Making the case for Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen as the Game 4 starter:
The case for Brandon Bussi starting Game 4
He looked great in his first action since mid-April. He quickly had to face red-hot Marner on a penalty shot and stopped him, allowing the Hurricanes to rally.
Bussi can't be blamed for the lone goal against him.
He's rested while Andersen has played a lot and hasn't been as strong as he was in earlier rounds.
The case for Frederik Andersen starting Game 4
Go with what got you here. Andersen was stellar in sweeps in the first two rounds. He rebounded and won after his lone loss in the conference finals, plus his Game 1 loss in the final.
Though Andersen might want the fourth goal back, the second goal was an own goal tipped in by his defenseman. On the third goal, the Hurricanes gave Marner too many chances.
Andersen was clipped in the head by Ivan Barbashev on the second disallowed goal, but Brind'Amour said he's fine. The goalie has two days off between games, and that and the skipped practice should give him enough rest.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided some injury updates prior to Monday’s series opener in Cleveland…
On Jasson Dominguez…
Dominguez will continue his rehab assignment in Triple-A this week.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is off on Monday night, but the young outfielder will be back out there when the team returns to action each of the next two days.
Dominguez is scheduled to play four-to-five innings, then the Yanks will see how he's feeling after that.
The 23-year-old went hitless with three strikeouts across seven at-bats over his first two appearances last week.
Boone said that the Yankees still don’t have a set number of games he may need.
Dominguez, of course, has been sidelined since suffering a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder making a great catch into the left-center field fence on May 7.
On Giancarlo Stanton…
Stanton, on the other hand, could be a bit closer to returning.
While the team doesn’t have an exact timeline on him either, Boone is hopeful that he may be able to return sometime during the next homestand.
The Yanks visit the Guardians and Jays, before returning to the Bronx to host the White Sox and Reds next week.
Stanton will continue his running progression and throwing program in New York over the next few days after logging his first two live BP sessions over the last week.
The oft-injured slugger has now missed a total of 39 games after straining his right calf jogging to second on a walk during a game in late May.
Getting him, and eventually Dominguez, back in the mix would be a huge boost for the Yanks lineup with Aaron Judge set to miss a significant amount of time.
