Karl-Anthony Towns Says Knicks' Celebrity Fans Aren't Biggest Die-Hards

New York City is still rejoicing over the Knicks winning their first NBA title in 53 years. Some big names witnessed the crowning achievement courtside, but Karl-Anthony Towns knows the fanbase stretches far beyond the celebrities.

Several stars flocked to Celebrity Row to watch the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Mainstays such as Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Tracy Morgan took their usual courtside positions, but Eli Manning, Larry David, Derek Jeter, and Taylor Swift were among the other famous fans given a close-up view of history at Madison Square Garden.

Viewers saw those celebrities celebrate an epic Game 4 comeback win on the ABC broadcast, but even fans well out of the camera's scope paid five figures for seats in the upper section. Towns shouted out those attendees on Tuesday, per ClutchPoints' Kris Pursiainen.

"In my mind, the real celebrities are the ones in the 200's and the nosebleeds," Towns said.

Towns reflects on Knicks victory

Those fans might not have gone into the locker room after New York's championship-clinching Game 5 win like Chalamet or introduced the team on The Tonight Show like Lee. They were still part of a long-overdue moment for an organization that's endured some rocky years.

Towns reflected on how much the Knicks' championship means to everyone. He didn't grasp the magnitude of catharsis felt until they sealed the deal on Saturday night.

"I was emotional, too. I think we are all," Towns said. "I think that's what's so special about this was, and I didn't realize this until after the win, was how much healing that win would do for all of New York City. Fans to the alumni, to even for us as players in our personal lives. It was a healing experience."

The Knicks faced early postseason trouble when the Atlanta Hawks jumped to a 2-1 series lead in the first round. New York responded by winning 15 of the last 16 games in an unforgettable run.

"We got closer as a team," Towns said, "and we figured out something that could work for us."

Celebrity Row tickets at the MSG could be even more in demand next season as the Knicks look to defend their title.

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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 10:44 AM.