NYPD, Madison Square Garden have varying statements on why Game 3 watch party was canceled

The New York Knicks will host the San Antonio Spurs for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.

Tickets to the game are notoriously expensive, and fans were looking forward to a watch party outside the arena to still get the New York vibe without being inside Madison Square Garden.

Unfortunately, it was announced that the watch party right outside the arena wouldn't be happening due to increased security concerns about President Donald Trump attending the game.

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The Knicks released a statement on Saturday discussing additional security measures to accommodate the President and urged fans to arrive at the arena two hours early due to heightened security.

The decision to cancel the watch party outside MSG did not sit well with fans. Both the NYPD and officials from Madison Square Garden released statements about the decision.

The NYPD's statement pointed the "blame" for the decision toward the Secret Service and, as a result, toward President Trump's attendance at the game.

"There will be no watch party outside MSG. This decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service. There will be watch parties at other locations. We are currently determining where they will be. We'll get back to you when we have more to share."

An official speaking on behalf of Madison Square Garden also released a statement, but gave a different reason for the watch party's cancellation.

"The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden."

The MSG spokesperson said the city denied the watch party permit and stressed it was not due to the President attending the game.

If President Trump attends the game, it will be the first time in history that a sitting president has attended an NBA Finals game.

New York heads into Monday night's game with a 2-0 series lead after winning both games on the road in San Antonio. A Game 3 win would give the Knicks the chance to sweep the series on Wednesday.