Some of the more recognizable fans of the New York Knicks ventured south to San Antonio to watch their team return to the NBA finals for the first time in 27 years.
The Knicks headed to Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the 1999 Finals, which, incidentally, was the last time New York reached this stage, and finished in a 105-96 Game 1 upset.
Despite the Spurs hosting Game 1 of the championship series, there was a very vocal contingent of Knicks fans – anchored by some well-known celebrities who have been following the team for the year.
Actor Timothee Chalamet was spotted on the ABC broadcast clapping for his favorite team in the middle of the second quarter.
Before the game began, comedian and actor Tracy Morgan was seen being interviewed by ESPN.
Other notable attendees included filmmakers Ben Stiller and Spike Lee, who have been seen courtside at the Knicks’ home of Madison Square Garden for years.
Actor Timothee Chalamet made the trip down to San Antonio for Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Filmmaker Ben Stiller also was one of the pilgrims who went to San Antonio to watch the Knicks
Other celebs in attendance to root for New York included Spike Lee (left) and Tracy Morgan
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Stiller’s movie ‘Focker-In-Law’ – another sequel in the long-running comedy movie franchise – was promoted during a break in Game 1.
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Another comedian, Shane Gillies, was also seated near the floor on Wednesday night.
Other notable names there to support the Knicks included former player and Hall-of-Famer Patrick Ewing.
Meanwhile, back in New York, throngs of Knicks fans took to the streets near Madison Square Garden as revelers spilled out of watch parties both inside and outside the arena.
Former Spurs players Robert Horry and Manu Ginobili were also on hand, as were fellow NBA retirees James Worthy and Gary Payton.
Perhaps most importantly, legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was seated in a VIP suite. He stepped down from his coaching duties to promote assistant Mitch Johnson following his 2024 stroke.
The Knicks are hoping to win their first NBA title since 1973, while the Spurs are hoping to come away with their sixth championship and first since 2014.
