Ben Stiller Facing Heat For Missing Knicks Game On Monday Night

Comedian Ben Stiller has been one of the most high-profile New York Knicks fans for decades. So his absence from the Madison Square Garden courtside seats stuck out like a sore thumb in Game 1 last night.

The good news is Stiller isn't sick or dealing with any personal tragedy. The bad news is that his reason for missing the game might have been far worse: He was across the city attending the Met Gala.

Stiller walked the red carpet for the iconic event three miles away from MSG. But as he told reporters that questioned him on skipping Game 1 against the 76ers to attend the gala, he would be keeping up with the game via his phone. He did, however, show six fingers to indicate "Knicks in 6."

Wrong Move?

Stiller's decision to skip Game 1 didn't sit well with other diehard Knicks fans, who declared that he should have been at the game supporting his team instead.

"If only there was some way for giant Knicks fan Ben Stiller to see the game without watching it on his phone at the Met Gala," one user on X remarked.

"Imagine going to the Met Gala instead of watching your team in the playoffs, wowww SIXERS IN 6," joked another.

"He missed the Knick game for a fashion show loool," a third wrote.

"Wow it's more important to go to this yuppy event than a Knicks playoff game that's wild."

The Met Gala is every year. A Knicks trip to the NBA Conference Semifinals, despite being more frequent in recent years, is never a guarantee.

Stiller probably should have known better.

As for the game itself, the Knicks dominated pretty much from tipoff to final buzzer. After taking a 33-25 lead to the second quarter, the Knicks effectively put the Sixers away, outscoring them 41-26 in the second quarter to take a 74-51 lead into halftime. They kept the pressure on in the second half en route to an emphatic 137-98 win.

Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson led the way with 35 points, followed by 18 from OG Anunoby. No 76ers player scored more than 17 points in the game.

The Knicks will be back at MSG on Wednesday for Game 2. Stiller has no excuse to miss this one.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 7:47 AM.