Dave Portnoy's Celtics cockiness backfired — with Jerry O'Connell there to torture him
Actor and Knicks fan Jerry O'Connell had the last laugh over Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy when the Knicks pulled off the 108-105 comeback overtime win over the Celtics on Monday.
Portnoy trashed the Knicks during the game, writing on X that they don't belong in the same gym with' the Celtics as Boston's lead ballooned to as high as 20 points.
But the post did not age well – even ending up the X account 'Freezing Cold takes' – and O'Connell had the chance to rub Porntoy's nose in it. The two were together for Barstool's Bet Gala event in Scottsdale, Ariz. — Barstool's version of the Met Gala that was happening simultaneously in New York City.
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The Barstool founder posted a video of the end of the game where he was being tormented by the 'Jerry Maguire' actor and wouldn't even look up from his phone as the actor hugged him.
Jerry O'Connell goes to hug Dave Portnoy after the Knicks shocked the Celtics. DavePortnoy/X
O'Connell could be heard telling Portnoy, 'Give me a hug,' and telling him, 'Thank you for all you do.'
'What a day! Bing bong!' O'Connell screamed in Portnoy's direction.
However, the loss doesn't seem to have changed the sports personality's opinion about the series, with Portnoy posting on X, 'Gentleman's Sweep. #celticsin5.'
He also uttered the same thing at the end of the video.
The win should put some doubt in the defending champs' heads with the Knicks now having the home-court advantage.
Knicks celebrate win over the Celtics on May 5, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
The Knicks are now a +270 underdog to shock their rivals in the best-of-seven, whereas they were around +550 before the series began.
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Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau impressed a desire not for the players to let the victory go to their heads.
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Jerry O'Connell hugs Dave Portnoy. Dave Portnoy/X
'The important thing for us to understand what it is,' Thibodeau said. 'It's one win and then understand that we have to reset and get ready for Game 2.'
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at TD Garden.
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