Players question Swift's courtside loyalty
During a Thursday appearance on an NBA 2K TikTok livestream, New York Knicks players Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride were asked to name the fakest celebrity fan they had noticed sitting courtside. Kolek offered Taylor Swift, saying he was unsure whether he had seen her at any other games, and McBride said he agreed with the choice.[S1][S2][S3]
McBride also warned that the answer would not sit well with Swift's fans. Kolek then appeared to soften his remark, suggesting that Swift's schedule as a performer could keep her from attending regularly, while still describing her courtside presence as somewhat performative.[S1][S5][S8]
The team issues a statement of support
The Knicks responded Friday by defending Swift. A team spokesperson said the singer had backed the Knicks for many years, had a lengthy relationship with Madison Square Garden, and that the organization was highly grateful for her support. The statement was provided to NBC News.[S1][S4][S6][S7]
Kolek may also face questions closer to home: his girlfriend, Alexi Sousa, who describes herself as a Swift fan, asked what he had to say about her favorite artist, according to the report.[S1]
A history with the Garden and a title run
Swift has been a familiar presence at Knicks games, and the franchise is known for drawing famous faces to courtside seats at its Manhattan arena. In 2014 she visited a team practice and was lifted by Amar'e Stoudemire for a dunk that became a memorable moment.[S1]
Her place in recent Knicks lore rests on Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when she sat courtside at Madison Square Garden alongside Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay. The group wore shirts featuring Knicks-themed puns and watched New York erase a 29-point deficit against San Antonio. Three days later the Knicks closed out the series in San Antonio, bringing the NBA championship back to New York for the first time since 1973.[S1]
