New York Knicks attract celebrity fans, including Fat Joe, at NBA Finals

At the NBA Finals practice day in Madison Square Garden, Knicks coach Mike Brown was visited by a host of celebrity fans. Rapper Fat Joe demanded the microphone, joked about the coach’s sneakers and asked for an autographed pair if the team wins. Actor Ben Stiller filmed the scene and shook hands with Brown, while other fans such as Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet also turned up, reflecting the city’s excitement about its first Finals appearance since 1999.

The celebrity support continued during Game 2 in San Antonio, where Fat Joe joined ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” pre‑game broadcast. He embraced Shaquille O’Neal, declared “New York City, this is our year,” and praised the Knicks’ fan presence at Frost Bank Center. His remarks highlighted the communal spirit, with Fat Joe comparing the current unity to the city’s response after 9/11.