Ben Stiller has long been one of the most recognizable faces in the Knicks' celebrity fan section. But on Monday night, his courtside seat at Madison Square Garden was conspicuously empty—and the reason has fans fuming.
Instead of cheering on his beloved Knicks as they kicked off their playoff series against the 76ers, Stiller walked the red carpet at the Met Gala, just three miles away. While he told reporters he'd be keeping tabs on the game via his phone, and even flashed six fingers to signal “Knicks in 6,” the gesture wasn't enough to cool the backlash.
Fans Sound Off on Social Media
The reaction on X was swift and merciless. One user cracked, “If only there was some way for giant Knicks fan Ben Stiller to see the game without watching it on his phone at the Met Gala.” Another joked, “Imagine going to the Met Gala instead of watching your team in the playoffs, wowww SIXERS IN 6.” A third simply wrote, “He missed the Knick game for a fashion show loool.” The sentiment was clear: a yearly fashion event shouldn't trump a playoff game that comes around far less often.
“Wow it’s more important to go to this yuppy event than a Knicks playoff game that’s wild,” one fan posted, summing up the frustration of a fanbase that expects its biggest supporters to show up when it matters most.
Stiller's decision is especially puzzling given how the Knicks dominated. From the opening tip, New York was in control, taking a 33-25 lead after the first quarter and then blowing the game open with a 41-26 second quarter. By halftime, it was 74-51, and the Knicks never looked back, cruising to a 137-98 victory.
Jalen Brunson Leads the Way
Jalen Brunson was the star of the night, pouring in 35 points to lead all scorers. OG Anunoby added 18, while no 76ers player managed more than 17 points on a forgettable night for Philadelphia. The win was a statement, and it's one Stiller watched on a small screen while rubbing elbows with celebrities.
For a fanbase that prides itself on loyalty, Stiller's absence stung. The Met Gala happens every year. A Knicks trip to the conference semifinals, while more frequent lately, is never guaranteed. Missing this kind of moment for a fashion party? That's a tough sell in the blue and orange faithful.
Game 2 is Wednesday at MSG. Stiller will have no excuse this time—and you can bet the crowd will be watching to see if he shows.
In other sports news, Joel Embiid pleaded with fans not to let Knicks supporters take over the arena, but it didn't work. Meanwhile, Mike Tirico's name blunder stole the show during a recent Knicks-Hawks game, proving that even broadcasters can have off nights. And if you missed it, the UFC is giving away 85,000 tickets for a historic White House fight night—a different kind of spectacle entirely.
