Celebrities Pack the Garden as Taylor Swift Draws Taunts at Historic Knicks Game

Madison Square Garden became a pilgrimage site for some of the biggest entertainment stars in the United States overnight, between Wednesday and Thursday, as the New York Knicks completed a historic comeback from 29 points down to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The stands were packed with celebrities.

At the center of attention was Taylor Swift, a New York resident, who attended the game with sisters Alana and Este Haim. The three wore special Knicks-themed shirts with wordplay such as “Stevie Knicks,” “Knickole Kidman” and “Knickleback.” Swift sat next to Mariska Hargitay, star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” who is considered a longtime Knicks fan. Hargitay was later seen wearing the same “Stevie Knicks” shirt as the singer.

Timothée Chalamet continued his tradition and attended another Finals game, again alongside his partner Kylie Jenner. Other spectators included Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Jimmy Fallon and Tracy Morgan. Spike Lee, one of the Knicks’ most closely identified fans over recent decades, sat close to the court as usual wearing a special Knicks jersey with the name and signature of Pope Leo XIV. Michael J. Fox, Larry David, tennis legend John McEnroe and rapper Fat Joe were also spotted in the crowd, while Wu-Tang Clan performed at halftime.

Reports in the United States said demand was so high that many people were left outside, and even the rising star Sydney Sweeney had to sit high up and far from the court, left out of the party.

Not everyone was impressed by Swift’s presence. After the game, it was revealed that Knicks radio broadcasters Tyler Murray and Monica McNutt were heard on an open microphone talking about the singer during the game. Murray filmed Swift on his mobile phone and said, “This is for my wife.” McNutt, an ESPN analyst and former Georgetown player, responded with a jab: “She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl!”

The criticism stemmed from Swift being seen at the Eastern Conference finals cheering for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the favorite team of her partner Travis Kelce. However, many around her say she is actually a longtime Knicks fan. Swift has attended several of the team’s games over the years, has been seen wearing the club’s jerseys in the past, and has deep ties to New York, where she spends much of her time.

Whether she is a true fan or not, Swift was part of the wild atmosphere at the Garden on an evening that will go down in the club’s history. The Knicks completed the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history and took a 3-1 lead in the series, one win away from their first championship since 1973.