Knicks Kick Off Finals with a Bang – Celebrities Can’t Stop Talking About It

The New York Knicks didn’t just win Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals—they turned it into a pop culture moment. Down double digits early, Jalen Brunson dragged the team back with a clutch 30-point fourth quarter, sealing a 105-95 victory over the Spurs. The win wasn’t just about basketball; it was about New York’s first Finals appearance since 1973, and the city—and its famous fans—were quick to celebrate. From social media shoutouts to packed bars, the Knicks’ playoff run had already drawn entertainment’s attention before the first game even tipped off. Pop star Tate McRae didn’t just watch the Finals—she joined in. Right after the game, she posted two Instagram Stories in Knicks gear, first a video of herself in a blue jersey saying, “Go Knicks, ” then a mirror selfie in the same shirt. It was a small but loud endorsement from someone with millions of followers, adding to the growing list of celebrities who’ve publicly backed New York’s team. Even away from the court, the Knicks’ playoff run was becoming a trend.Kylie Jenner, vacationing in Turks and Caicos, found herself part of the conversation without even trying. While her boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet, watched the game, fans flooded her Instagram with Knicks-related comments. It wasn’t the first time she’d shown up for the team—she and Chalamet have been spotted at multiple playoff games, including a high-profile appearance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Their support, even from afar, kept the Knicks in the spotlight. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker made sure the win was celebrated in style. She and her family watched Game 1 at a Manhattan bar, cheering as the Knicks pulled off the comeback. Afterward, she shared a video of the excited crowd, calling the game “elevated heartbeats and a lot of tears. ” Her post wasn’t just about the win—it was a love letter to New York basketball, proving how deeply the city feels every Finals moment. Behind the scenes, Brunson’s performance was the difference. Playing through knee and ankle issues, he poured in 30 points, becoming only the second Knicks player ever to hit that mark in a Finals opener. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama, despite his 26 points and 12 rebounds, struggled with his shot, finishing 6-for-21 as New York’s defense stifled him. The Knicks’ road win gave them home-court advantage, but the real victory was turning the series into a full-blown cultural event.