Big Knicks Fans Share Their Love and Superstitions

The New York Knicks have captured the hearts of many celebrities, who now reveal how they keep faith in their team. Some are superstitious about game days; others have personal moments that define their fandom. Tracy Morgan talks about the unforgettable Game 1 playoff clash against Cleveland, calling it a “fire” moment that still feels electric. He says he keeps hoping the Knicks will win a championship, believing they can beat any West Coast team. Even after a loss to Indiana, he bounced back with optimism and looks forward to next year. Michael Imperioli fell in love with the Knicks as a kid watching from the nosebleeds. He has since met stars and even flew on the team plane to try to recruit Grant Hill for New York. He describes being part of the MSG family as the best celebrity perk, and recalls sitting courtside with his dad as a full‑circle experience. Actress Emmy Rossum grew up in the city and has never lost her Knicks devotion. She idolizes John Starks from the ’90s, keeps a signed cap, and now loves Jalen Brunson for his calm leadership. She admits she’s too superstitious to predict game outcomes. Matthew Modine, who moved to New York in the 1970s, shares how he fell for every local team but especially the Knicks. His favorite memory is Larry Johnson’s four‑point play in 1999, and he now admires Josh Hart for his energy and Jalen Brunson’s leadership. Michael Rapaport, a lifelong Upper East Side fan, says his favorite player is Charles Oakley for embodying New York grit. He hasn’t yet experienced a championship but keeps hoping, watching games quietly at home.Director Benny Safdie explains how being a New Yorker naturally turns one into a Knicks fan. He feels the heartbreak when they lose but keeps faith that it could be their year, even if he never says it out loud. Josh Safdie, a friend of Benny’s, recalls receiving courtside tickets in 2012 and witnessing Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity. ” He describes the joy of that game, hugging teammates and yelling in the car after victory. Susie Essman became a fan in 1971 during her high school years, enjoying the ’73 championship. She loves Walt Frazier’s cool vibe and appreciates how the current squad plays together, hoping they’ll win in six years. Chris Distefano, a Queens native, remembers his first Knicks game at age nine. He stayed loyal through tough years and now supports Jalen Brunson, mixing faith with humor about future arrests for streaking. Steve Schrippa, who played at the Garden in college, now enjoys watching games as a celebrity. He cherishes sitting next to legendary players and believes Brunson will eventually have his jersey in the rafters. Sam Morril, a comedian, fell for the ’90s Knicks but felt heartbreak when Patrick Ewing missed a crucial play. He now loves the current team, keeps his winning spirit alive with a Knicks candle, and is convinced they’re ready to win. These stories show that even stars can be devoted fans, keeping traditions alive while hoping the Knicks bring home a championship.