Knicks vs. Pacers fans: Jon Hamm makes Tyrese Haliburton a mad man. More stars at Game 1
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.
It was a star-studded affair inside Madison Square Garden.
There's always celebrities in the arena whenever the New York Knicks are at home, but the ante turned up a notch as the team hosted its first Eastern Conference final home game since 2000. As New York has embarked on its 2025 playoff run, more stars have shown up. It's a given to see loyal fans such as Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan in attendance, but the Game 6 clincher against the Boston Celtics in the second round brought out a flock of stars. Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny, Russell Wilson and Lenny Kravitz were just some of the many notable people in the crowd.
Advertisement
While the world has drastically changed since the Knicks' last conference finals appearance, you can always count on high-profile people sitting courtside for the Knicks, and plenty turned up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Here's a look at who attended Game 1 between the Knicks and Indiana Pacers:
Jon Hamm makes Tyrese Haliburton a mad man
"Mad Men" star Jon Hamm made a mad man out of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton after snagging a loose ball on the sidelines that Haliburton believed he could've kept inbounds. The incident happened with 2:55 remaining in the second quarter as the Knicks led 58-54. Haliburton tipped the ball away from New York's' OG Anunoby and attempted to gain control before it bounced out of bounds. Haliburton immediately went up to referees after the play to complain of interference by Hamm, but nothing came of it.
Advertisement
TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy joked, "If you are going to be a Knicks fan, help them."
Knicks halftime show tonight had Shaq on his feet
Singer Mary J Blige performed during halftime at Madison Square Garden, but the "Inside the NBA" crew unfortunately had the responsibility of broadcasting the half-time show through Blige's performance. Midway through his halftime report, commentator Shaquille O'Neal couldn't hold off dancing any longer. He jumped out his seat and started grooving to Blige. "I can't take it no more Ernie (Johnson)," O'Neal said as he danced. Kenny Smith appeared to get the dancing bug next because he also jumped up to dance: "I can't control it either."
Knicks halftime show tonight: Mary J Blige
Singer Mary J Blige was the halftime performer at Madison Square Garden for Game 1. The New York City native performed her hit single "Family Affair." She's used to rocking out halftime shows. She performed at the Super Bowl 56 halftime show in Inglewood, California in February 2022.
Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan front and center
"Wonka" star Timothée Chalamet has the golden ticket — a front row seat at Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He's been a staple at Knicks home games this season and Wednesday was no exception. The New York City native paired orange pants and a striped orange button-up with Timberland boots. Chalamet didn't attend the game with girlfriend Kylie Jenner this time, instead he sat next to fellow Knicks superfan Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan.
Tracy Morgan, Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller attend Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2025 in New York City.
Martha Stewart has arrived
Martha Stewart, the lifestyle icon, arrived at Madison Square Garden
Radio City Music Hall Knicks watch party rocking
No ticket to Madison Square Garden, no problem. Diehard Knicks fans that couldn't make it to the game flocked to a watch party at Radio City Music Hall to cheer on the blue and orange in Game 1 vs. the Pacers.
Knicks great Carmelo Anthony cheers on former team
Former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia isn't the only New York legend in the house.
Advertisement
Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who played for the Knicks from 2011 to 2017, was on hand to watch his former team compete. He was seated next to former Knicks teammates Amar'e Stoudemire (2010–2015) and J. R. Smith (2012–2015). Former Knick Baron Davis, who played a short stint in New York from 2011 to 2012, was also spotted.
Knicks legends in the house: Patrick Ewing helps surprise fan
Patrick Ewing, another Knicks icon, was on hand for Game 1. The 11-time All-Star played for the Knicks from 1985 to 2000 and currently serves as the Knicks' basketball ambassador. He helped surprise a fan wearing his Knicks jersey during a game break and presented her with another to add to her collection. Ewing's No. 33 jersey was retired by the Knicks on February 28, 2003.
Advertisement
Former Knicks' players Latrell Sprewell (1999–2003), John Starks (1990–1998) and Stephon Marbury (2004–2009) were also in attendance.
Walter 'Clyde' Frazier Jr. gets applause
The champ is here. Walter "Clyde" Frazier Jr. led the Knicks to two titles in 1970 and 1973, which remain the franchise's only NBA championships to date. Frazier looked dapper in a red and black suit as he waved on the Jumbotron.
Tracy Morgan, David Chappelle in the building
Comedian and Knicks superfan Tracy Morgan arrived at Madison Square Garden in style for Game 1. He donned a white shirt featuring a bloodied photo of Knicks guard Josh Hart that reads, "Standing on Bidness." The image is from the Knicks' 127-102 Game 5 loss to the Celtics on May 14, when Hart got elbowed in the face by Boston's Luke Kornet. He got stitches on the gash above his eye and returned to the game with a bandage. The back of Morgan's shirt reads, "Revenge."
Advertisement
He's not the only comedian in the building. David Chappelle and "Saturday Night Live" star Michael Che were spotted on "Celebrity Row" next to Morgan.
Suni Lee is in the building
Olympic gold medal gymnast Suni Lee is having a flipping good time at Madison Square Garden. She was spotted on Celebrity Row and earned a loud applause from the crowd after being shown on the Jumbotron.
Josh Hart manifested Lee's appearance. During Lee's visit to MSG on April 6, OG Anunoby exploded for a team-high 32 points in a win over the Phoenix Suns. That led Hart to request her appearance during the playoffs: 'We need Suni (Lee) or Anne Hathaway at every game during this playoff run.'
Advertisement
This isn't Lee's first playoff appearance. She attended Game 2 of the first round series between the Knicks and Detroit Pistons on April 21, but the Knicks' good luck charm wasn't enough. They were defeated by the Pistons 100-94, but ultimately won the series.
Date night for Jennifer Hudson, Common
It's date night for singer Jennifer Hudson and rapper Common. The power couple was spotted at Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday. The pair have taken in several games together this season, including the NBA HBCU Classic during the 2025 All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
Rappers Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes in the house
The New York native leaned back in his courtside seats at Madison Square Garden. Fat Joe was spotted dapping up Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau before tipoff. He's not the only rapper in the house. New York native Busta Rhymes was also on hand.
CC Sabathia spotted
A New York legend is in the building. Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia was spotted on Celebrity Row. The six-time All-Star led the Yankees to a World Series championship in 2009, the last title for the Yankees.
Yes, basketball players get starstruck
Stars are just like us — They get starstruck too.
Advertisement
TNT commentator Kenny Smith offered fans an inside look into how players feel competing in front of a star-studded crowd, especially in New York's Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena.
"You cannot glance to the left. You cannot glance to the right. You have to stay focused in, because there's Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, all the famous rappers that you've ever wanted to talk to. They are here tonight," Smith said on the "Inside the NBA" pre-game show. "When you're in the Eastern Conference Finals, you have to knock that out and not pay attention to any of that."
Larry David and Susie Essman sit courtside
Larry David won't have to curb his enthusiasm tonight at Madison Square Garden. The actor and comedian was spotted courtside alongside "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Susie Essman. David even got a shout-out on TNT's "Inside the NBA" pre-game broadcast. "I need to 'Curb my Enthusiasm,'" host Ernie Johnson joked after spotting David.
What time is Knicks vs. Pacers?
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers tips off Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch Knicks vs. Pacers: TV, stream
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Madison Square Garden; New York
TV: TNT
Stream: Max, Sling
Advertisement
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks vs Pacers fans: Jon Hamm, Timothée Chalamet, more at Game 1
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
33 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Panthers endure uncharacteristic playoff collapse in losing Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final to Oilers
For nearly three full years under coach Paul Maurice, the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were unbeatable in the playoffs when holding a lead through either of the first two periods. Until Wednesday night. After a 4-3 overtime loss to Edmonton in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers blamed themselves for playing too conservatively in allowing the Oilers to score three straight goals as Florida squandered a 3-2 advantage entering the third. 'Just not let up. Don't sit back,' said Sam Bennett, who scored twice — including his franchise-record 12th goal of this postseason. 'We've been really good all year at not sitting back with the lead, and for whatever reason we sat back tonight.' It was an uncharacteristic collapse for a Florida team that had won 31 consecutive playoff games under Maurice when holding the lead at an intermission break. Worse yet, the Panthers actually blew a two-goal lead in a game Leon Draisaitl sealed by converting Connor McDavid's centering pass 19:29 into overtime. The winning goal came on a power play, 72 seconds after Tomas Nosek was penalized for delay of game after lifting the puck over the glass. Maurice was more concerned with how the Panthers performed well before Nosek went into the penalty box. Florida was outshot 24-8 from the beginning of the third period on. 'I think we had some real good pressure. They get it back and then there were some plays we didn't compete,' Maurice said. 'I thought we were a little safe with the puck.' Florida dropped to 8-3 on the road this postseason and trails a series for the first time since losing the first two games of its second-round meeting with Toronto, which the Panthers rallied to win in Game 7. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is in Edmonton. As for Nosek's penalty, Maurice called it a tough break, and made a point to remind the player how valuable he was in helping the Panthers rally against Toronto. Nosek didn't make his playoff debut until Game 3 of the Maple Leafs series. 'That line came in and changed everything for us. We're not here without Tomas Nosek,' Maurice said. 'He's got lots of people sitting at his table and reminding him how good he's been.' The question for the Panthers is how they appeared to wear down as the game progressed in a rematch of last year's final, which Florida won in seven games. Just when it appeared Florida had grabbed the momentum by building a 3-1 lead on Bennett's second goal two minutes into the second period, Edmonton responded with Viktor Arvidsson's goal 1:17 later. And the Panthers looked gassed in the third when Mattias Ekholm converted McDavid's centering pass to tie the score at the 6:33 mark. The 46 shots allowed were the most permitted by Florida in the playoffs since giving up 65 in a 3-2 win over Carolina that took four overtimes in Game 1 of the 2023 Eastern Conference final. And they came a game after the Panthers allowed 52 shots in Game 5 of a second-round series-clinching 3-2 OT win over Toronto. Draisaitl's power-play goal was just the eighth allowed by Florida in 62 chances this postseason. Maurice remained calm in assessing how evenly matched the teams are in a series he believes has a chance to go the distance. 'It has the potential to be just a spectacular seven-gamer,' Maurice said. 'It was honest, it was hard, it was fast and it was tight. It was an overtime game.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
NYC mayoral candidates weigh in on Knicks' Tom Thibodeau firing during debate
Aspiring New York City mayoral candidates mostly agreed that the New York Knicks were wrong for firing head coach Tom Thibodeau. Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake thought otherwise. Eight candidates vying for the highest seat at City Hall participated in the Democratic Mayor Debate on Wednesday. During a rapid-fire "thumbs up, thumbs down" section of the debate, Thibodeau's dismissal was mentioned. Advertisement Joining Blake in the debate were former Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos and former hedge fund manager Whitney Tillson. While his opposition voted down the firing, Blake gave a thumbs-up and said, "Our goal is to win the Finals, not to get to the Conference Finals." Despite leading the Knicks to their first Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, Thibodeau was relieved of his duties. His dismissal came two days after they lost to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 30. Advertisement The Knicks had a strong season, finishing third in the East with a 51-31 record. The team took down the Detroit Pistons and dethroned the Boston Celtics, both in six games, before running into Indiana. The Pacers derailed what would have been the Knicks' first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 — a chance to compete for their first title since 1973. As the mayoral race continues, so does the Knicks' coaching search. Michael Malone, Mike Brown, Darvin Hamm and Jeff Van Gundy have all mentioned as possible replacements.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Michelle Obama to publish new book 'The Look' this fall and 'reclaim' fashion story
Michelle Obama to publish new book 'The Look' this fall and 'reclaim' fashion story Michelle Obama is adding another book to her author byline, this time with photos of some of her most iconic fashion moments over the years. 'The Look' will feature over 200 never-before-published images of Obama, accompanied by writing about her style evolution. Obama is also the author of memoirs "Becoming" and 'The Light We Carry,' both of which topped USA TODAY's Best-selling Booklist. 'The Look,' out Nov. 4 from Penguin Random House, is Obama's opportunity to 'reclaim' her fashion story after years of criticism over her appearance during her time in the White House. Penguin Random House Audio will simultaneously release an audiobook edition, read by Obama herself. 'This book is a celebration of fashion, but more importantly, I hope it is a celebration of confidence, identity, and authenticity, and an inspiration to think deeply about how we choose to define style and beauty,' Obama writes in the introduction. Michelle Obama's new book 'The Look' to publish in November 'The Look' will also include perspectives from Obama's stylist, makeup artist, hairstylists and longtime designers to bring readers a peek behind the curtain at how her most memorable looks were crafted. First ladies' fashion choices capture public attention, but criticism of Obama was often racially charged. In 2022, Obama shared that she wanted to wear braids during her tenure but decided not to because Americans were 'not ready' and she preferred the focus be on the Obama administration's policies, not her hairstyle. Obama was also ridiculed for wearing a sleeveless dress for her first official portrait, though Jacqueline Kennedy sported the same look during her time in the White House without backlash. 'I'm grateful that I've reached the stage in my life where I feel empowered and free to do what I want and wear what I want,' Obama writes in 'The Look,' according to a press release from the publisher. 'During our years in the White House, people were constantly commenting on my looks and dissecting my clothing choices. That's part of why I decided to write this book now: it's time for me to reclaim my story – what fashion and beauty mean to me – in my own words.' Bill Clinton talks new thriller: Key White House details in murderous new book Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
