The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 118-110 in Game 5 at the Frost Bank Center — and an all-star roster of celebrities traveled to San Antonio to witness history unfold. From Timothée Chalamet to Prince Harry, the celebrity presence in Texas was as electric as the game itself.
The Knicks, who had not won a title since 1973, completed a remarkable playoff run behind Jalen Brunson's 45-point performance. The victory sent shockwaves through both the sports and entertainment worlds, as New York's celebrity faithful made the journey south to support their team on the road.
Timothée Chalamet, one of the Knicks' most visible celebrity superfans, was spotted courtside alongside Ben Stiller, who earlier in the series had called out fellow celebrity fans after a Game 3 loss. The actor-director duo have become fixtures of Knicks playoff basketball, their passionate reactions frequently going viral on social media. Both made the trip from New York to Texas to be there for the potential clincher.
Spike Lee, the iconic filmmaker and perhaps the Knicks' most famous superfan, was also in attendance. Lee made headlines for an awkward moment when he appeared to deny Prince Harry's handshake attempt during the game, a clip that quickly circulated on social media. The Duke of Sussex, who was seated in the eighth row rather than courtside, nevertheless was present to take in the historic game alongside the star-studded crowd.
Derek Jeter and Eli Manning — two New York sports legends in their own right — added to the championship atmosphere. Jeter, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, and Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP with the New York Giants, brought the full weight of New York sports royalty to the Frost Bank Center. Giancarlo Esposito, the Emmy-nominated actor known for "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," was also among the prominent faces spotted in the stands.
Sydney Sweeney, who had been courtside at Madison Square Garden for Game 4 alongside her boyfriend Scooter Braun, made the trip to San Antonio as well. The "Euphoria" star's presence underscored how the NBA Finals have become a cultural gathering point that transcends sports, drawing A-list celebrities from Hollywood, music, and beyond. Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Mariska Hargitay, and Cardi B were among the stars who celebrated the Knicks' win from home, posting reactions on social media throughout the night.
The championship parade in New York is expected to draw massive crowds as the city celebrates its first major professional sports championship since the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2012. For the celebrities who made the trek to San Antonio, being courtside for the Knicks' historic victory was a moment they will not soon forget — a perfect blend of high-stakes sports drama and Hollywood glamour that defined the 2026 NBA Finals.
Sources: Page Six, ESPN, People.com, New York Post
