These Black Celebrities Are New York Knicks Superfans
Before the New York Knicks shocked the sports world and made it all the way to the NBA Finals, Madison Square Garden was already buzzing with anticipation. For months, the stands have been filled with stars from around the world who had faith the Knicks would make it far this playoff season. Now, it seems the basketball team is on the brink of destiny.
But as New York makes its way to the NBA Finals, the story hasn’t just been about basketball. Celebrity Row, filled with Black entertainers and cultural icons, has become part of the atmosphere, shaping the rhythm and energy of every home game. Take a look at some of the most stylish and notable Black celebrities who have popped up during the 2025-2026 season so far.
Spike Lee
No matter if it’s a home game or away, filmmaker Spike Lee usually never misses a big Knicks game. He’s been a die-hard fan of the sports team since he was a child, he told NPR. When everyone else counted the Knicks out, you could typically find Lee somewhere in the crowd rocking his best orange and blue paraphernalia. So you can expect the director to be present during Game 1.
Walt Frazier
Walt “Clyde” Frazier is widely considered one of the best Knicks players in franchise history. He’s been an active observer during the season. You can usually pick him out in the crowd based on his stylish outfits.
Lenny Kravitz
Rockstar Lenny Kravitz pulled up to watch the Knicks battle the Cleveland Cavaliers in May. He looks even cooler on the basketball court.
Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire
These six players– Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton, Steve Novak, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and Amar’e Stoudemire– are best known as the core members of the “Knickstape” era for the New York Knicks. They famously led the franchise to a 54-win season and a playoff series victory back in 2013.
Freddie Gibbs
Rapper Freddie Gibbs was front and center as the Knicks faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. Funny enough, the rapper has a song titled “Knicks” too!
Justina Omokhua
Justina Omokhua is the Senior Vice President at Parkwood Entertainment– Beyoncé’s company– and she’s been behind projects like Beyoncé Bowl (2024) and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023). She watched on during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers back in March.
Tracy Morgan
Comedian Tracy Morgan has been vocal about his longtime support for the Knicks. During their NBA Finals run, Morgan even recorded special New York City subway announcements. He was recently seen in tears courtside, celebrating the Knicks’ clinching their first NBA Finals spot since 1999.
Fabolous
Native New Yorker Fabolous and his son sat next to Jimmy Fallon and his daughter during a Knicks game against the Cavaliers.
Retta
Back in January, actress Retta watched the epic showdown between the Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. That month, the teams played against each other twice, with the 76ers winning one game and the Knicks winning the other.
Stephon Marbury, Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith
Although they didn’t all play for the Knicks at the same time, Stephon Marbury, Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith are all part of the dynasty’s legacy. They linked up alongside Latin artist Rauw Alejandro during game five of the first round of the playoffs.
Jay-Z
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is no stranger to sitting courtside. You’ve seen him at Lakers and Golden State Warriors games. But of course, he has to show face at Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Larry Johnson, John Starks, Patrick Ewing and Bernard King
Larry Johnson, John Starks, Patrick Ewing, and Bernard King are among the most beloved and celebrated icons in New York Knicks history, each representing different eras of basketball at Madison Square Garden.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Bronx rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie was spotted at a Knicks game against the San Antonio Spurs.
With the Finals kicking off tonight (June 3), you can expect more and more stars to show up and out. Now, it’s up to the Knicks to hold their own against the Spurs– who have been favored to win the championship.
