It didn’t take long for things to get testy on Monday night at the Garden between the Knicks and Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Victor Wembanyama was in the middle of it with a little less than five minutes left the first quarter of San Antonio’s 115-111 win when he aggressively shoved Jalen Brunson in the first quarter.
The two were battling for position with the Knicks in possession when Wembanyama shoved Brunson on the back of his neck, forcing the New York star to catch his balance as he fell toward the court.
Brunson immediately bounced back up and seemed to say something to the Spurs big man, who smirked and then turned his attention to Josh Hart.
Victor Wembanyama shoved Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals Game 3.San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) puts up a shot as New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) and New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) watch during the first quarter of NBA Finals Game 3 on June 8, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
No foul was called on that particular instance, but moments later, Keldon Johnson was whistled for a foul.
ESPN broadcaster Richard Jefferson opined on air that the referees should have called a flagrant 1 on Wembanyama for his actions in that moment, and also mentioned how “Wemby’s laughing at it.”
It wasn’t the only tense moment of the first quarter.
Hart got called for a technical foul after Luke Kornet made contact with him under the basket. Hart shoved him back after getting up off the court.
The Academy Award-winning director was seen wearing a custom #14 Pope Leo jersey to Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Lee received the jersey from the pontiff last year during his visit to the Vatican in November.
Lee also wore the jersey during Game 2 of New York’s first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks lost that game 107-106 at the Garden. They lost the next game, too, to fall behind in that series 2-1 on April 23 – their last loss before this current 13-game postseason winning streak.
Celebrity row at Madison Square Garden was back in action for Game 3.
Monday marked the Knicks’ first NBA Finals game in New York in 27 years, and the stars showed up for the historic moment, even if New York lost 115-111.
Knick superfans Timothée Chalamet and Fat Joe led the way, catching a ride to New York together in a private jet.
“Knicks in four, baby, Knicks in four,” Chalamet said on the runway.
Ben Stiller was also in his usual courtside seat with wife Christine Taylor at Game 3 after making appearances for both games in San Antonio.
Actress Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni are all smiles court side before the start of Game 3. Jason Szenes for the New York Post Ben Stiller looks on during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. NBAE via Getty Images
The actor, director and producer was seen throughout press conferences and warmups taking videos on his phone — something he’s become known for during the postseason run.
Spike Lee, in a custom Pope Leo XIV Knicks jersey, “Saturday Night Live” alums Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey are also courtside along with “Law & Order” stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni.
Patrick Ewing smiles during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 3, 2026 at Frost Bank Center. NBAE via Getty Images
It wouldn’t be a Knicks game without a platoon of former players showing support.
Patrick Ewing, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, and Allan Houston watched games in San Antonio and again were in the crowd for Game 3.
They were joined by the likes of former Knicks Gerald Wilkins, Al Harrington, Bill Bradley, Richie Guerin, Baron Davis, Tim Thomas, Charles Smith, Steve Novak and Jeremy Lin.
Actor Timothee Chalamet walks to his seat before the start of Game 3. Jason Szenes for the New York PostSpike Lee poses with New York Knicks alumni Raymond Felton, Larry Johnson, John Starks, Latrell Sprewell, and Marcus Camby. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Fellow New York sports stars Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Rick Pitino, Francisco Lindor, John Franco, Juan Soto, Todd Zeile, Woody Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Adam Fox and Vincent Trocheck were also in the house to support the Knicks.
Becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, Donald Trump was in a suite after reportedly getting an invite from Knicks owner James Dolan.
His attendance has sparked controversy due to added security, further congesting an already crowded area of New York City.
Higher up in the stands than other notable fans, Mayor Zohran Mamdani opted for standing-room seats he paid over $1,000 for.
President Donald Trump turned Game 3 of the NBA Finals into something of a White House road trip Monday night. He arrived at Madison Square Garden with a notable entourage in tow.
Joining Tump in the suite were White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, EP Administrator Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump's granddaughter, Kai Trump. Also in the suite was Envoy Steve Witkoff, Director of White House Oval Office operations Walt Nauta, long-time Trump advisor Boris Epshteyn, and executive assistant to the president Natalie Harp.
CNN reported that his son-in-law Jared Kuschner was also in the suite.
The group settled into owner James Dolan's suite as the Knicks looked to extend their series lead to 3-0 over the San Antonio Spurs.
As the national anthem began, cheers of "USA, USA, USA," started, but when Trump was shown on the in-arena video boards midway through he was loudly booed. He saluted and smiled as the boos grew, Dolan and Kai Trump stood next to him. Dolan seemed to smirk at the boos.
Trump received just 30.4% of the vote in his native New York City during the 2024 election. Trump grew up in Queens.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals will be the first NBA championship game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years. The energy was high in New York City all day on Monday, June 8, even as fans had to wait in line for hours to get into the historic arena to watch their beloved New York Knicks. There were heightened security measures due to President Donald Trump attending the matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
Besides the president, there were countless celebrities at the game, including the usual Spike Lee and Ben Stiller along with Pete Davidson, Tina Fey and Derek Jeter. Walt "Clyde" Frazier stole the show in an orange and yellow geometric tuxedo jacket.
With the series moving from Texas to the Big Apple, surprisingly nobody broke out their Timbs for the pregame tunnel. But one Knicks player paid tribute to one of New York's finest rap groups and several others continued to make strong fashion statements.
Here is the NBA Finals Game 3 fit check:
7. Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle has mastered the art of cozy. He doesn't just throw on a random sweatsuit. He picks interesting pieces and just looks cool. For Game 3, the San Antonio Spurs guard opted for a Patti LaBelle graphic T-shirt and these interesting Balenciaga sweatpants with tattoo-like doodles on them.
Jordan Clarkson went with kind of a sailor-ballerina look? The New York Knicks guard, who is never afraid to play with his fashion choices, wore an all-tan ensemble with a v-neck jacket and gray legwarmers with his sneakers. It's... different!
I’m calling Jordan Clarkson’s Game 3 look “Sailor Ballerina.”
Jordan McLaughlin's outfit starts simple enough with a white long sleeve T-shirt from Kith and a single chain. What boosts him onto the list is these really cool pants. They have a dark-colored base with an elegant baroque floral pattern.
Victor Wembanyama went with a classic look, the Canadian tuxedo. His teammate, Carter Bryant, might have had a more interesting set in Game 1. But the Defensive Player of the Year does a great job with proportions as is evidenced here. The large red Louis Vuitton duffel is a nice pop of color.
Karl-Anthony Towns was too cool for school in this look. He wore long black sweatpants with black sneakers and a backwards baseball cap. The statement piece here is definitely the Dipset graphic T-shirt. Doesn't get more New Yawk than that.
Karl-Anthony Towns is repping New Yawk in the Dipset tee 🫡
In a sea of neutrals, it was impossible to miss Mikal Bridges in this coral-colored polo from one of the most popular brands right now, Martine Rose. He expertly let the shirt do the talking with black nylon pants and black sneakers.
Everyone loves Martine Rose, including Mikal Bridges! 🌹
Jeremy Sochan's key fashion statement, his colorful hair, might be gone, but his style is still on point. The New York Knicks forward looked clean in the best fit of the night. He wore a well-fitting white knit shirt and baggy black pants. Patent black boots gave the outfit just enough edge.
Jeremy Sochan looks GOOD in this clean look. The boots add just enough edge.
US President Donald Trump attends Game Three of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Donald Trump turned the 2026 NBA Finals into a chaotic mess by deciding to attend Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Fans were told to arrive two hours early and waited in airport-style lines just to get into Madison Square Garden. Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox told reporters “The president being here just makes it inconvenient on everybody else.”
New Yorkers showed Trump how they feel about him when he shown on the jumbotron during the national anthem.
The result? Loud boos. Watch some videos from inside the arena here:
NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended Trump’s appearance to the “Inside the NBA” crew before the game:
Adam Silver on Donald Trump:
“He was a fixture at Madison Square Garden…he had courtside seats, here ALL the time. He was at drafts. He's a GENUINE Knicks fan." pic.twitter.com/Q36b2myPUS
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 9, 2026
The Knicks are up 2-0 in the series entering Game 3. Will Trump’s appearance curse the vibes? We know some Knicks players don’t like him. Here’s a 2020 tweet from Knicks wing Josh Hart:
YESSIR!!!! GET TRUMP’S DUMBASS OUT THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!
The Uptown Knicks Polo may be sold out, but several standout pieces from the collaboration remain available.
Avery Wilson handled national anthem duties this week wearing the sold-out Malbon x New York Knicks Uptown Knicks Polo, and it immediately reminded me how good this collection really is.
The polo may be long gone, but there are still a few standout pieces available if you're a Knicks fan or just appreciate what Malbon has been doing with its team collaborations lately. The collection does a nice job of balancing New York sports culture with golf.
President Donald Trump is a "genuine" New York Knicks fan, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver said his presence at Game 3 of the NBA Finals is worth the hassle for fans.
Trump is a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan at Monday night's game between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. This is the first Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
"He’s welcome to be here," Silver said. "What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is it’s something that we have in common. We should look for those things that we have in common and build off that," Silver told the NBA Tip-Off crew before the game.
Trump has gone to many sporting events during both his terms as president, including the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. That he would come to Madison Square Garden is not a surprise, given his long affinity with the Knicks.
Silver said Trump was once a "fixture" at Knicks games and had courtside seats. He'd even come to the NBA drafts.
"So he’s a genuine Knicks fan," Silver said.
But Trump's presence meant security was heightened, with fans told to arrive at Madison Square Garden at least two hours before tipoff. The security perimeter around the arena also was extended, prohibiting vehicular and foot traffic in anticipation of Trump's arrival.
"Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans here but looking around at the arena, it’s packed," Silver said. "So people listened, they came early, they got through whatever extra security which is necessary.
"As I said, I think we should be using sports to create more of a sense of community with people, not less."
Spike Lee is maybe hoping to give the Knicks an extra blessing on Monday night.
The “Do the Right Thing” director sported a custom Pope Leo XIV Knicks jersey for Game 3 of the NBA Finals after receiving it at the Vatican last year.
Pope Leo is a Villanova alum, like Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Lee, on his Instagram account earlier on Monday, revealed he’d wear the autographed blue jersey he got signed during a visit with the pontiff in November. He’s worn the jersey at least one other time this postseason, donning it for Game 2 in the first round against the Hawks.
The Knicks superfan is a fixture along celebrity row throughout the season, and his presence has been felt at Madison Square Garden — and on the road — throughout the run to the NBA Finals, including making a trip to San Antonio for New York’s thrilling come-from-behind win in Game 1.
Pope Leo XIV BACKGRID
Lee also sat down with the “Inside the NBA” pregame show on ESPN, which showed his looks throughout the years during prior Knicks seasons.
When Lee was asked about other celebrities who have been on this Knicks ride, he mentioned his own bona fides as a longtime fan and not a bandwagoner.
“I got my season tickets the morning after Dave DeBusschere pulled out the — I don’t know if it was hold or cold envelope, I don’t know,” Lee said of the famous 1985 draft lottery in which the Knicks got the top pick, using it to choose Patrick Ewing. “And I jumped on the subway, and I slept on line.
“So I’ve had season tickets since Patrick Ewing’s rookie year. But I didn’t start courtside.”
Spike Lee with his Pope Leo jersey during Game 2 of the first round against the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Lee added that he could have sold his seats for Game 3 for “half a million” dollars.
Lee, after the Knicks swept away the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, said he didn’t care who New York played in the NBA Finals. He believes this is a Knicks team of destiny.
“I don’t care about San Antonio. OKC. We’re going to win. May 8, 1970 [the first Knicks championship]. I was at the Willis Reed game. Thirteen years old,” Lee said at the end of May. “So going to keep it going. This is a team of destiny, heart, drive. … It reminds me of Willis, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, Cazzie Russell. I’m going back. I’m old, though.”
Donald Trump salutes during the national anthem at the NBA finals.Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Donald Trump was loudly booed when he was shown on the video screens at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before Game 3 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Trump was shown on the jumbotron while the Star-Spangled Banner was being sung before the game, and jeers and boos broke out around the arena. The president was shown for a little over eight seconds and held a salute the whole time with a smile on his face. A few seconds later, the video board showed Knicks players in line and the boos turned to cheers.
The US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended as the guest of team owner James Dolan as New York hosted their first NBA finals game since 1999. Trump entered the arena amid a heavy security presence. He watched the game from the owner’s box above center court, while Secret Service personnel commandeered the neighboring suites on either side. Also in the box were Dolan, interior secretary Doug Burgum,
transportation secretary Sean Duffy and Trump’s granddaughter Kai.
Trump’s appearance added another layer of spectacle to a city already in the thrall of basketball fever. The Knicks entered the night carrying a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs and seeking to move within one victory of their first championship since 1973.
Hours before tipoff, fans encountered heightened security around Madison Square Garden. A 10-foot perimeter fence surrounded the arena, ticket holders were advised to arrive at least two hours early and the team implemented a strict no-bag policy.
By midday, dozens of fans were already queueing to pass through metal detectors manned by Secret Service agents to access the team store.
“He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans,” said Joanne Cadden, 53, a Knicks supporter from the Bronx who has followed the team since the early 1990s. “You’re making people go away from the Garden. This wasn’t the time.”
Gesturing toward the fencing and checkpoints surrounding the arena, Cadden added: “This looks like prison.”
Not every fan objected to Trump’s attendance, but many said it had altered the atmosphere around one of the biggest nights in the team’s history.
Rich Becker, a 54-year-old Knicks fan from Queens who came to Midtown despite not having a ticket, said the president’s visit had changed the feel of the day, including the cancellation of the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games.
“It changed everything,” Becker said. “Should he be here? I don’t think he should, but he’s coming. He used to be a Knicks fan. He spent a lot of time at the Garden back in the day. But now it’s a little different. Just stay away.”
Becker said he worried the extensive screening procedures could affect the atmosphere inside the building.
“There is some concern,” he said. “Not everybody’s going to be in their seats by tip-off.”
Beginning at around 4pm, authorities sealed off several blocks around the arena, creating what NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a “frozen zone”. The restrictions encompassed the area between West 30th and West 35th Streets and Sixth and Eighth Avenues, with police checkpoints limiting access to ticket holders, rail passengers, credentialed personnel and others with an authorized reason to enter.
The restrictions also led officials to cancel the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games, though city officials said other viewing events, including ones at Bryant Park and Central Park’s Wollman Rink, would go ahead as planned. The watch party outside MSG was expected to return for Game 4 on Wednesday.
The precautions echoed scenes from Trump’s appearance at last year’s US Open men’s final in Queens, where security bottlenecks produced lengthy queues outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite a delayed start, thousands of fans were still filing into their seats well into the second set.
The heightened security followed massive celebrations around the Garden after New York’s Game 2 victory in San Antonio on Friday. Thousands of fans packed the surrounding streets, while police said multiple arrests were made after some supporters climbed light poles, blocked traffic and refused orders to disperse following the Knicks’ win.
Trump confirmed last week that he planned to attend the game after receiving an invitation from Dolan. His appearance on Monday night made him the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game.
While Trump has become a regular presence at major sporting events during his second term, including the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup, his appearance at Madison Square Garden carried particular resonance. Long before entering politics, he was a fixture courtside during the Knicks’ 1990s glory years.
Trump’s appearance also placed two of the city’s most prominent political figures under one roof. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani was also in attendance. He told reporters earlier in the day that he bought a standing-room only ticket from Madison Square Garden for about $1,000.
Other prominent names at Madison Square Garden on Monday included Knicks fans Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart and Tracy Morgan.
For Tom Meade, 76, who attended Knicks playoff games during the franchise’s championship era and brought his son Tommy to Monday’s game, the fences, checkpoints and presidential motorcade were ultimately secondary to the occasion itself.
“This is amazing,” Meade said as fans streamed toward the Garden. “The only thing close to it was the Willis Reed and Walt Frazier years. Those championship teams [in 1970 and 1973].”
The heightened security was “a nuisance”, he added, “but we’re here to enjoy the game and the Knicks.”
Trump officially became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday, June 8.
After a few chants of "USA, USA, USA" for the flag, Trump was booed loudly when he was shown on the large video screens during the national anthem. The president was saluting and smiled slightly as the boos grew. Once the feed showed Knicks players, the cheering returned.
Trump was in a suite, protected by thick glass on three sides, though open on top. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump's granddaughter Kai were in the suite with Trump.
Trump's large motorcade rolled up to the Garden at 7:28 p.m., with intense security locking down most of midtown for his arrival. His route to the game took him down the FDR and he was greeted by signs that included, "Nobody wants you here," and "Trump Must Go."
"Before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of Trump, according to multiple reports. "I’ve been with the league for a long time. I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden, and he actually appeared in one of our 'I love this Game' spots when I was running NBA Entertainment years ago."
Silver noted there would be extra security precautions due to Trump's expected attendance at Monday's game. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also planned to attend Game 3, though NBC 4 in New York reported Mamdani purchased his own ticket.
Trump told reporters on Thursday, June 4 that he watched the beginning and end of NBA Finals Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs and marveled at 7-foot-4 San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks are attempting to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
"Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump said. "He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing."
Trump has frequented major sporting events during his second term as president, with appearances at the Super Bowl, college football national championship game, Ryder Cup, Daytona 500 and numerous UFC events. Last year, he also attended the U.S. Open men's tennis final in New York.
Knicks fans have been waiting a long time for this one.
For the first time in 25 years, New York hosted the NBA Finals on Monday.
While prices were through the roof and things were a bit chaotic getting into Madison Square Garden, that didn’t prevent the orange and blue faithful from bringing the energy right off the bat.
Knicks fans were sure to give their heroes a warm welcome back home as they took the court just two wins away from their first championship since 1973.
Here are some of the scenes from intros and warmups at MSG…
NBA legend Michael Jordan was hit hard by the death of former teammate Stacey King, who died at 59 after a serious fall at his home on Saturday.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing. We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball,” Jordan said in a statement. “My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.”
Jordan, 63, and King spent four seasons and change together after King was drafted by the Bulls No. 6 overall in the 1989 NBA Draft.
Stacey King (left) and Michael Jordan during a 1991 Bulls game. NBAE via Getty Images
Jordan had already risen to stardom in the NBA, but had yet to win his first championship.
King, who played mainly as a reserve with the Bulls, helped Jordan three-peat as champion between 1991-’93.
The forward’s best year in Chicago was his rookie season, when he averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
“We are grateful for everything Stacey gave to the Chicago Bulls and to the city he proudly called home,” the Bulls said after King’s death. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the memories he helped create, and the enduring place he holds in Bulls history.
Basketball legend and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan was spotted enjoying a luxury Mediterranean getaway alongside his wife. BACKGRID
After 31 games with the Bulls during the 1993-94 season, King was traded to the Timberwolves.
He spent the next five years bouncing between the Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks.
After retiring from the NBA, King became an Emmy-winning color commentator for NBC Sports Chicago and the Chicago Sports Network.
Chicago Bulls television announcer Stacey King attends the first half of an NBA basketball game. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
He also had his own podcast called “Gimme The Hotsauces,” named after one of his iconic calls.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans… We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
Sunday marked a full-circle moment for Mike Brown.
One day before Game 3 at Madison Square Garden — the first NBA Finals game at The World’s Most Famous Arena since 1999 — Brown was asked about his first experience at the arena as Knicks head coach.
“I was like, holy crap, I can’t believe this is where I’m going to be coaching,” Brown said. “The biggest thing was when I got to the bench where we sit, and I kind of turned and looked at the crowd; I saw my wife and family, like, three rows back, I was like, dang, thanks, Mr. Dolan; that’s pretty nice.
Ben Stiller and Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks smile during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“Just obviously the building, but more importantly when you get in and you look, for me, I see my family right there, then obviously all the stars. It makes it feel different than almost any other building you’ve been in.”
Brown’s relationship with those stars has grown from that moment to Monday, which was expected to be one of the most star-studded and electric atmospheres in New York City history.
For starters, there was a time his wife, Carolyn, was too starstruck to approach Ben Stiller.
“Ben Stiller was over there,” Brown said earlier this postseason. “I don’t think I’ve ever met Ben, but he was over there, and she was like, ‘Ben’s over there.’ I was like, ‘Go get a picture. I’m sure he’ll take a picture with you.’ [She was like], ‘No, I can’t do it.’ ”
Fast-forward to Sunday. Stiller was in attendance at Knicks practice, filming as much content as he could. Brown said Sunday was when he first officially met Stiller.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown during Sunday’s practice at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As Brown walked off the podium following his press conference, he embraced Stiller and the two sent a message to Carolyn. They looked like two peas in a pod.
“When you see him next time, approach him,” Brown said with his arm around Stiller. “He’s gonna take a picture with you.”
Another celebrity was in attendance at Brown’s press conference: Fat Joe. Brown has become tight with the rapper this year, sharing what he describes as a friendship.
More Coverage on the Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals
“A great day for me today,” Brown said as the press conference got started, before any questions could be asked. “For the first time, I got a chance to meet Ben Stiller. I actually gave him a handshake and a hug. And I got my man Fat Joe sitting in the back. This is a great day for Mike Brown.”
When Brown was done answering questions from the media, Fat Joe chimed in and yelled at Brown that he hates his shoes. It’s part of a long-running joke between the two about Brown’s preference to wear old-school P.F. Flyers.
“He used to kill me about my shoes,” Brown said. “He used to kill me. He’d try to tell me I need to get some Nikes because they got more cushion and all this stuff.”
But Brown did not listen to Fat Joe’s advice. His P.F. Flyers have become a good luck charm for him, so much so that Fat Joe changed his tune.
“I need you to keep them on, Coach,” he said, adding that if the Knicks win the championship, he wants an autographed pair from Brown.
Brown began his Knicks tenure having to fill Tom Thibodeau’s shoes. Now, though, he has celebrities obsessing over his own.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
When: Monday, June 8 at 8:30 PM EST
How to watch: ABC
Betting Line: NY -1.5 (subject to change), O/U 216.5 (subject to change) via FanDuel
#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/oSkTTQ1m6F
(@HEATVices) June 9, 2026
