Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players name her 'fakest celebrity fan'
The New York Knicks defended Taylor Swift after two players labeled her as the least genuine celebrity Knicks fan during an NBA 2K livestream, noting her long-standing relationship with Madison Square Garden and appreciation for her support. The discussion followed Swift’s high-profile presence at recent playoff games, including appearances in Cleveland and New York, and a broader pattern of star-studded attendance. A Knicks spokesperson emphasized Swift’s longstanding fandom, while teammates suggested other celebrities are generally solid. The piece also ties Swift’s ties to the Knicks to her cultural prominence and recent high-profile wedding at MSG, underscoring her continuing influence on the venue’s public image. The Knicks went on to win their first championship in over 50 years, amplifying the spotlight on Swift’s association with the team.
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During a NBA 2K livestream, Knicks point guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride were asked to name the least genuine celebrity Knicks fan, with Kolek saying Taylor Swift could be seen as performative at games and McBride agreeing.
Swift attended Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland and Game Four of the NBA Finals in New York City earlier in the year, reinforcing her visible presence at key Knicks moments.
A Knicks spokesperson defended Swift, highlighting her long-standing fan status and strong history with Madison Square Garden, and expressing appreciation for her support.
McBride also noted other celebrities like Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as typically solid fans, suggesting Swift was not uniquely outsized in the eyes of the team.
Kolek joked about potential Swiftie backlash but acknowledged Swift’s busy schedule and limited attendance, calling the attendance partly performative.
During Game Four of the Finals, Swift was seen in a publicized crowd with other celebrities, wearing coordinated outfits in support of the Knicks, who later won the championship in five games.
Swift’s broader ties to MSG extend beyond basketball, including past performances at the venue and a July wedding to Travis Kelce officiated by Adam Sandler, which kept the couple in the public eye.