The New York Knicks have won their first NBA championship since 1973, with fans Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, and Ben Stiller celebrating.
Spike Lee’s Decades-Long Fandom and the Weight of History
Spike Lee, the filmmaker and Knicks fan, experienced a defining moment in his journey as a supporter. The Brooklyn-raised director, who has spent four decades courtside at Knicks games, was on the floor at Frost Bank Center on Saturday night. His reaction—hugging fellow high-profile Knicks fans and former players—underscored the significance of this triumph. Lee traces his fandom to Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, which he attended when he was just 13 years old. His orange-and-blue loyalty became NBA lore in 1994, when his courtside sparring with Reggie Miller helped fuel a 25-point fourth quarter from the Pacers’ star and the infamous choke gesture that followed. Lee stayed loyal through decades of losing, even after the Nets came to his native borough, Brooklyn.
Timothée Chalamet’s Courtside Philosophy and Fashion Statement
Timothée Chalamet brought his flair to the celebration. Known for his collaborations with Chrome Hearts, Chalamet’s orange leather Chrome Hearts tracksuit with white piping and T.C initials for the game against the San Antonio Spurs on June 8 became a focal point. Chalamet has been collaborating with Chrome Hearts on custom looks since the New York Knicks began their upward trajectory last year. For the game on June 10, he returned to Madison Square Garden in a custom Chrome Hearts denim-on-denim look: jeans and a trucker-style jacket, with the brand’s signature Gothic cross appliqués at the elbows, chest and hem of his pants. He also wore a bright orange belt, and long chains—plus assorted metallic rings and a choker necklace. Next to him was his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, in a matching outfit. “Timothée is like a muse,” said Laurie Lynn Stark of Chrome Hearts. “He knows exactly what he wants but is also so willing to engage with us and work collaboratively.”
Ben Stiller’s Emotional Response and the Role of Celebrity Culture
Ben Stiller, the comedian and filmmaker, epitomized the joy of the moment. Sitting next to Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, and girlfriend Kylie Jenner on the New York Knicks’ celebrity row, Chalamet has embraced all things satsuma orange and royal blue for his hometown basketball team’s run. The team is still an odds-on favorite to win their first championship in 53 years (!).
