Inside Jalen Brunson & Knicks Superfan Mariska Hargitay’s Sweet Bond

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In the NBA fandom system, there is one honor held above all: sitting courtside.

And of all the celebrities who have sat in that coveted position, there is one A-lister that Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson—who helped secure the team’s historic comeback against the San Antonio Spursduring Game 4 of the NBA Finals June 10—is the happiest to see. 

In fact, when it comes to his Mt. Rushmore of front-row spectators, Brunson previously revealed to Richard Jefferson, “My number one, love her to death, and she knows it—Mariska Hargitay.” 

Jefferson observed that Brunson’s cheeks were slightly flushed when he made the statement, but the 29-year-old confirmed it without any sign of shame, simply saying, “Yes. Absolutely.”

As a courtside regular myself, I’ve noticed a pattern with NBA fans, and for Miles Brunson, it’s clear Mariska Hargitay is more than just a celebrity sighting! He’s got a great crew – Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Tracy Morgan are often there with him – but Mariska really stands out as someone he genuinely connects with. It’s sweet to see those friendships blossom even in such a high-profile environment.

In a 2025 podcast with Brunson and Josh Hart, Jerry Stiller confessed that the affection Mariska Hargitay receives from fans after Knicks games is something all the other celebrity guests wish they had.

Thankfully, that love is entirely mutual. 

Mariska Hargitay recently shared with TopMob News that she’s deeply thankful for the leadership of Knicks star Jalen Brunson and the whole team for uniting the city.

She described the connection between Knicks fans as truly special and deeply meaningful. She believes this team’s incredible success is a testament to their hard work and determination, and they’ve inspired us all with their perseverance.

The 62-year-old—who sat courtside next to Taylor Swift for Game 4 of the NBA finals—also shared insight into just what it’s like to sit inside Madison Square Garden for a Knicks game.

“It is such an extraordinary and singular experience, to feel the energy in the room,” she said, “but also the unity in the room. In these times right now, when the country is divided, it is so extraordinary. And I feel so grateful to the Knicks for how they’ve brought our city together.”

The incredible energy inside Madison Square Garden definitely fueled the Knicks’ historic comeback, allowing them to win against the Spurs 107-106 after being down by 29 points – the largest deficit ever overcome in an NBA Finals game.

For more celebrities who regularly don blue and orange in honor of the New York City team, read on. 

When it comes to Timothée Chalamet‘s fandoms, his love of the New York Knicks reigns supreme.

“My grandma was a huge Knicks fan, so that’s what turned me onto them,” the Marty Supreme star told 7PM in Brooklyn in 2025. “If you live in New York, you are a Knicks fan.”

And if you’ve been keeping up, then you know Kylie Jenner has been joining Chalamet, whom she’s dated since 2023, courtside to cheer on the Knicks.

Ben Stiller is a lifelong Knicks fan. He’s so dedicated that he claims he’d choose a Knicks championship over winning an Oscar! Speaking on the New Heights podcast in 2025, Stiller explained that even given the impossible choice, he’d take the Knicks winning, simply because he’d have the power to make it happen.

Spike Lee, a dedicated New York Knicks fan for many years, is confident the team will win a championship with their 2025-2026 lineup. In May 2026, he told the New York Post, “I don’t care about San Antonio or OKC. We’re going to win.”

Nothing could rock Tracy Morgan‘s love for the Knicks. As the 30 Rock alum put it on The Rich Eisen Show in 2021, “I’m the biggest Knicks fan there is besides Spike.”

What’s Luv? The way Fat Joe feels about the Knicks.

In fact, hours before the Knicks confirmed their appearance in the finals, the rapper reflected on the decades the team struggled, noting to ESPN, “It’s time. We paid our dues.”

Broadcasting live from New York, it’s Pete Davidson! The former cast member of Saturday Night Live is a frequent face in the audience at basketball games.

Chris Rock‘s loyalty to the Knicks is no laughing matter as the comedian has attended many games over the years.

Larry David isn’t going to curb his enthusiasm for the Knicks.

Oh my gosh, and JB Smoove too! I was scrolling through Instagram in 2024 and he posted the cutest thing. It was a ‘How it started vs How it ended’ post, and it was all about his love for the Knicks! He just wrote, ‘It’ll always be Knicks for life,’ and honestly, it made my day. They’re both so amazing and dedicated to the team, it’s everything!

Jordyn Woods‘ love for the Knicks extends on and off the court. The Woods by Jordyn founder is engaged to the team’s center Karl-Anthony Towns.

Cardi B is a big fan of the colors orange and blue, despite her song “Bodak Yellow.” She and former Patriots player Stefon Diggs recently made their relationship public at a 2025 Knicks versus Boston Celtics game.

Is Anne Hathaway wearing the  Chanel boots Knicks colors? Yeah, she is. The Devil Wears Prada star showed where her loyalties lie by donning an orange and blue pocket square to The Tonight Show in April 2026.

“I’m very chill,” she told host Jimmy Fallon about her fandom. “I’m very loving and calm. But I’m also the type of fan that I considered wearing an OG jersey out here today.”

Speaking of which, Fallon is also a big fan of the Knicks, with him even bringing his eldest daughter Franny along for the ride during the 2026 NBA playoffs.

You don’t need a time machine to know Michael J. Fox is a big Knicks fan! The actor and his wife, Tracy Pollan, are frequent attendees at the team’s games.

Throughout the Knicks’ ups and downs, Jon Stewart has continued to support the team, with The Daily Show host calling himself a “ride or die” fan.

Singer Maggie Rogers is a big New York Knicks fan and is thrilled whenever the team wins, often sharing her support online.

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2026-06-11 17:53