The defending champion New York Knicks have come to Taylor Swift’s defense after reserve guard Tyler Kolek questioned whether she is a genuine fan of the team.
“Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden (MSG), and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” an MSG spokesperson told The Daily Mail.
Kolek sparked the debate days earlier when he named Swift the Knicks’ “fakest celebrity” supporter during an appearance on the NBA 2K League’s “Deflected” show.
Swift attended New York’s dramatic Game 4 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs at MSG in June wearing a custom team-colored “Stevie Knicks” T-shirt. Kolek remembered seeing her in the arena but suggested she may have only recently joined the Knicks’ fan base.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,” Kolek said.
His teammate Miles McBride appeared to agree, but warned him that “Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer.”
The defending-champion New York Knicks have backed Taylor Swift (pictured at 2026 NBA Finals) after reserve guard Tyler Kolek questioned her loyalty to the team
Older wire photos show Swift mingling with celebrity friends and Knicks supporters during 2014 games at MSG. She is pictured having a beer with Karlie Closs, wife of soon-to-be Lakers owner Josh Kushner
Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Amanda Seyfried, Taylor Swift and a guest attend the Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2014 in New York
The comments quickly triggered a backlash. Swift’s enormous online following descended on Kolek, with many fans highlighting his limited time on the court.
“Taylor been to more Knicks games than you Tyler,” one Swiftie posted, expressing the view shared by many others.
Swift has long been seen at Knicks games, particularly before her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star and Cleveland Cavaliers fan Travis Kelce. She later attended a Cavaliers-Knicks matchup in Cleveland alongside her then-fiancé, although she did not wear clothing associated with either team.
Wire photos from Knicks games at MSG in 2014 also captured Swift enjoying the action with famous friends and fellow supporters. She was pictured sharing a beer with model Karlie Kloss, now married to soon-to-be Lakers owner Josh Kushner, and spending time with Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, his wife Kate Upton, actors Amanda Seyfried and Justin Long.
Kolek’s remarks were aimed beyond Swift, as he questioned the sincerity of celebrity spectators who seek the spotlight at Madison Square Garden, where the singer married Kelce in July.
“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative, because they just want to be seen at the game,” Kolek said. “They’re not necessarily fans.”
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Knicks guard Tyler Kolek singled out Swift and criticized what he called “performative” behavior at games
Teammate Miles McBride appeared to agree, while cautioning that Swifties would not appreciate the comment
Swift shares a laugh with two prominent Knicks celebrity supporters, John McEnroe and Ben Stiller
This is not the first time Swift’s Knicks credentials have been debated.
MSG Network host Monica McNutt endured heavy criticism during Game 4 after saying Swift was “not a Knicks fan” and telling her to “get out of here, girl.”
Star Knicks guard Jalen Brunson later defended McNutt against the backlash from Swift’s fans. During a postgame locker-room interview with MSG Sports, he referenced the controversy while celebrating the team’s victory.
“I just want to say something to the Swifties,” Brunson said. “She’s a really good one. Cut her some slack. It’s all good. I promise.”
McNutt subsequently discussed the incident with TMZ Sports, saying: “I said what I said, and here’s the deal: if I’m wrong, I am wrong apparently, because she’s got an OG Amar’e Stoudemire jersey.
“I misspoke, I did not know, but here’s the deal. Context: I literally just did a piece on celebrity row at Madison Square Garden. I’ve been with this organization for five years. I know these folks.
Swift also watched the Knicks face her husband’s team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in May
“Ben Stiller, his wife Christine, Spike Lee, Fat Joe. Like, I had not seen her here this year or last year, and we just saw her in Cleveland with her fiancé. Obviously, Travis (Kelce) supports the Cavs.
“She didn’t have on any Knicks paraphernalia. So I did not know of her Knicks loyalty. … T-Swift, we could be united in orange and blue. Like, it’s fine.”
The day after attending the game at Madison Square Garden, Swift appeared at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York. There, Universal Music Publishing president Evan Lamberg was overheard thanking her for supporting the Knicks.
“Thank you for our Knicks good luck, think you won the game for them,” Lamberg told her.