Security outside Madison Square Garden before NBA Finals Game 3
USAT’s Sam Cardona-Norberg breaks down what she is seeing outside MSG before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Sports Pulse
Editor’s Note: Click here for live coverage and all the latest news from Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
The New York Knicks didn’t have to search too far for a halftime performer.
The Knicks tapped Grammy award-winning rapper and New York native Cardi B to provide halftime entertainment for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday, June 8, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.
There’s always celebrities in the arena whenever the Knicks play at home, but the star power has turned up a notch as the team hosts its first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. In addition to Cardi B, a variety of celebrities and dignitaries are set to attend Game 3 on Monday, ranging from President Donald Trump, to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and actor Ben Stiller.
Cardi B is the latest New York native to turn the basketball court into her stage. Singer Mary J. Blige served as the halftime performer during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
The rapper recently wrapped her critically-acclaimed Little Miss Drama Tour, which featured two stops in New York at Madison Square Garden in March. It’s not clear which songs she’ll perform, but Cardi B’s discography includes hit songs “Bodak Yellow” and “Hello” among many others.
Cardi B has attended several Knicks games over the years, including Game 4 of the Eastern Conference last year alongside NFL beau Stefon Diggs.
Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
