June 8, 2026, 9:27 a.m. ET
With the New York Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals, the usual crowd of celebrities and more will be in attendance when they take on the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
After the Knicks won the first two games in San Antonio, the series turns to New York for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday. The typical celebrities, former Knicks players, and even some surprise guests should pop up throughout both matchups.
Here’s a guide to the celebrities that could make an appearance at MSG:
Spike Lee
Spike Lee, the famous film director, has been one of the Knicks’ most dedicated supporters, attending numerous home and road playoff games. He was already spotted in San Antonio, and he should be at every game in New York as well.
Ben Stiller
Known for his appearances in the “Night at the Museum” trilogy, “Zoolander” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” Ben Stiller similarly pops up at Knicks games. He’s a known supporter of the team on X, which features a profile picture of an NBA Finals Jalen Brunson jersey.
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Paul Atreides in the “Dune” movies, famously skipped the Met Gala for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, displaying his allegiance to his hometown team.
Kylie Jenner
Chalamet’s girlfriend, media personality and businesswoman Kylie Jenner, is often by his side at Knicks games. They traveled to Cleveland to watch New York clinch its NBA Finals berth on May 25.
Tracy Morgan
Stand-up comedian Tracy Morgan can also often be seen sitting courtside at Knicks home games, usually multiple times a week. That hasn’t wavered in the playoffs, as he was seen entering the arena with Spike Lee before Game 1.
Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing, one of the greatest Knicks of all, played 15 seasons with New York in the 1980s and 90s, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame. He’s currently a basketball ambassador and consultant for the Knicks, leading to him frequently attending their games.
John Starks
Ewing’s former teammate, John Starks, is often present at Madison Square Garden as well, following his 13-year playing career where he averaged 14.0 points per game.
Latrell Sprewell
Latrell Sprewell, who played five seasons in New York from 1998-2003 and is now a community relations representative for the team, praised the crowd’s energy while in attendance during the playoffs.
Fat Joe
Popular rapper Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, made headlines when his courtside tickets were taken away from him during Eastern Conference Finals Game 4, one of many Knicks games he’s attended this year.
Tina Fey
Tina Fey’s appearances at Madison Square Garden have been more sporadic this season. But the actress and comedian known for her success with “Saturday Night Live” popped up again during the Knicks’ playoff series with the Atlanta Hawks.
Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon isn’t a regular at Knicks games, but an occasion like this could certainly cause the host of “The Tonight Show” to show up on Monday or Wednesday.
John McEnroe
John McEnroe is currently commentating matches for the French Open, but he’s already said he hopes to be in attendance for one of the games at the Garden, though it will be tight as the French Open ended Sunday.
Michael J. Fox
Legendary actor Michael J. Fox rounds out a potentially stacked celebrity row. Known for playing Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” movies, Fox attended the Knicks’ comeback win over the Cavaliers in Eastern Conference Finals Game 1.
