Taylor Swift was among the high-profile celebrities drawn to Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks became one of the NBA Finals’ hottest attractions.
The pop superstar watched Game 4 of the Knicks’ memorable championship run from courtside, cheering as the team produced a historic victory.
Swift witnessed an astonishing 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs while seated beside Alana and Este Haim. The trio were visibly invested throughout the dramatic contest.
She had also attended the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden with Travis Kelce, whose Cleveland Cavaliers were facing the Knicks. The couple would go on to marry at the same venue months later.
Swift previously made appearances at Knicks games in 2014, during the years she has increasingly made New York City her home.
Still, not everyone within the Knicks organization appears convinced that she is a genuine fan. Two current players have now questioned her commitment when comparing her with longtime courtside regulars including Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan and Spike Lee.
Two current Knicks players labeled Taylor Swift their ‘fakest celebrity fan’
Swift watched Game 4 during the Knicks’ unforgettable NBA Finals run last season
Q “Who’s the fakest celeb fan you’ve seen courtside?” Tyler Kolek “Maybe Taylor Swift?” Deuce McBride “I would agree…Swifties not gonna like that answer” Kolek “I’m gonna get some hate…I guess she’s got a lot going on…can’t come all the time…but it’s a little performative” https://t.co/r7v4AJBK04
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 5, 2026
During an appearance on the NBA 2K League’s Deflected show, Tyler Kolek and Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride were asked to name the least genuine celebrity Knicks fan.
Kolek suggested that some celebrities attend games primarily for visibility rather than because they support the team, describing their presence as ‘very performative.’
‘Maybe Taylor Swift?’ he said, prompting McBride to nod before answering: ‘I would agree.’
Kolek added that he could not recall seeing Swift at many other Knicks games, while McBride warned: ‘Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer.’
Kolek acknowledged the likely reaction, saying he expected to ‘get some hate from the Swifties.’
McBride, however, praised several other celebrity supporters. ‘Everybody else is usually solid. Like Ben Stiller, Tracy (Morgan), like those are legit,’ he said.
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Kolek softened his criticism by noting that Swift has a demanding schedule and cannot attend every game, but maintained that her appearances seemed ‘a little performative.’
Knicks broadcaster Monica McNutt also faced a fierce backlash after commenting during the game attended by Swift: ‘She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.’
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek named Swift and questioned whether her game appearances were ‘performative’
Teammate Miles McBride agreed, while acknowledging that Swift’s fans would not be pleased
Swift also attended the Knicks’ May matchup with her husband’s team, the Cleveland Cavaliers
Knicks star Jalen Brunson later came to Swift’s defense after the criticism from her fans. During a locker-room interview with McNutt amid the team’s celebrations, he used his final remarks to address the controversy.
‘I just want to say something to the Swifties,’ Brunson told MSG Sports. ‘She’s a really good one. Cut her some slack. It’s all good. I promise.’
McNutt later explained her comments to TMZ Sports, admitting that she may have been mistaken after learning Swift owns an Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks jersey.
‘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.
‘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 fiance. 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 Knicks game, Swift appeared at New York’s Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony. There, Universal Music Publishing president Evan Lamberg was overheard thanking her for helping bring the team good fortune.
‘Thank you for our Knicks good luck, think you won the game for them,’ Lamberg told her.
‘Oh my gosh, you know what I did what I can, just gotta keep the energy up,’ Swift replied with a laugh. ‘Never a doubt!’.