In a display of star power rivaling any event involving Donald Trump, an array of celebrity Knicks fans gathered at Madison Square Garden for what was billed as one of the most exciting nights in New York sports history.
Among the high-profile attendees, Timothee Chalamet made a stylish return to his courtside spot, donning an eye-catching orange suit and sunglasses for the face-off against the San Antonio Spurs. Notably absent was his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, who had joined him for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland just last month.
Comedy star Ben Stiller, accompanied by his wife Christine Taylor, also made an appearance, sitting right beside Chalamet as the game kicked off. Earlier this year, Stiller publicly criticized Trump for incorporating scenes from his film “Tropic Thunder” in a promotional montage supporting America’s conflict with Iran.
Taking to social media platform X, Stiller expressed his disapproval: “Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie.”
Joining the roster of Trump critics was Larry David, the mastermind behind “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” who secured a prime seat for Game 3 of the Finals, solidifying his presence among the evening’s notable attendees.
David once infamously mocked Trump supporters in an episode of his popular show by wearing a MAGA cap whenever he wanted to keep people away from him. In another iconic episode, David tripped and injured Shaquille O’Neal when he stretched his legs while sitting courtside at a Lakers game.
Timothee Chalamet was courtside for Spurs vs Knicks without girlfriend Kylie Jenner
Ben Stiller had one of the best seats in the house on a huge night for New York sports
Chalamet and Stiller were going crazy when the first quarter finally began at MSG
Larry David was shown in his seat by ESPN around an hour before the start of the game
Other notable names included Jay Z, John McEnroe, Jason Bateman, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and Yankees baseball legend Derek Jeter.
It was a nervy start by the Knicks though, who looked to be feeling the pressure of so much anticipation. They were 11 points back, trailing 33-22 at the end of the first quarter.
Trump, a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, was thunderously booed by the Knicks fans who joined him at MSG with the hottest ticket in town.
The President smirked as the booing rang out when he was shown on the jumbotron during the national anthem. He was standing alongside Dolan and his eldest granddaughter, Kai.
The booing then quickly turned to cheers when the cameras flipped to Jalen Brunson, the star of this Knicks team trying to win its first NBA finals since 1973.
Trump’s attendance on Monday night had proved especially polarizing for Knicks fans due to the security measures that needed to be implemented to protect him.
Lines to get in were starting at least four blocks away from MSG, while metal detectors were set up 200 feet away from the venue that every fan would have to pass through, with the Secret Service watching on.
Trump protestors gathered near the venue, too, adding to the tension outside as tipoff neared.
Chalamet was without girlfriend Kylie Jenner, despite taking her to previous Knicks games
Comedian Tracy Morgan waves to the Knicks fans after greeting Chalamet at the game
Spike Lee and Dave Chapelle posed for pictures with fans before the game began at MSG
The New York Police Department and Secret Service established a multiblock security perimeter around the arena and, controversially, canceled the hugely popular watch parties outside of the venue.
They were, however, popping up everywhere else across Manhattan.
The NYPD even shut down every sidewalk and street from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue in a move halting all pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Game 4, back at the garden, is scheduled for Wednesday night.