The New York Knicks will take on the San Antonio Spurs for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals Monday night — with a star-studded crowd cheering them on.
Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee are just a few of the diehard fans who will likely be seated inside Madison Square Garden’s iconic celebrity row, after previously hanging courtside with Fat Joe, Tracy Morgan, Shaquille O’Neal and more for the first two games.
It’s a historic season for the Knicks (who currently lead 2-0), as it’s the first time they’ve made an appearance in the NBA finals since June 1999. Back then, the Garden’s coveted courtside seats were filled by A-listers like Adam Sandler, Alec Baldwin, Chris Rock and more.
Keep scrolling for a look back at celebrities who attended the 1999 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs — and others who’ve sat in celebrity row for various Knicks games at MSG over the years.
Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, were spotted arriving at Madison Square Garden on June 23, 1999, before taking their seats courtside for the Knicks vs. Spurs game. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Billy Crystal and Alec Baldwin were photographed courtside in June 1999, cheering on the Knicks before they secured a spot in the NBA Finals that year. Getty Images
Actor Adam Sandler and comedian Chris Rock were regulars at Knicks games at MSG during their road to the NBA Finals in 1999. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Since the 1999 NBA Finals, Sandler has continued to support the Knicks courtside at MSG. The actor is pictured above at a game in December 2004. NBAE via Getty Images
Back in February 2012, Richard Gere brought his son Homer (who recently starred in “Euphoria” with Sydney Sweeney) to a Knicks game at the Garden. WireImage
Prior to her heartbreaking death in 2009, actress Brittany Murphy was photographed courtside with Ashton Kutcher for a Knicks game in December 2002. Getty Images
Bill Murray is another actor fans have spotted sitting in celebrity row at several games, including here in an arrival photo from May 1993. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Timothée Chalamet has become a regular at Knicks games — even skipping out on the 2026 Met Gala with girlfriend Kylie Jenner to support his team. NBAE via Getty Images
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce packed on the PDA during their recent MSG appearance in May 2026, ahead of their summer wedding set to take place inside the Garden in July. Getty Images
While Chalamet has cheered on the Knicks solo plenty of times, he seemed to have extra fun when he brought Jenner as his date for a NBA Playoffs game at MSG last month. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
