NBA9 hours ago2 minute read

Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Players Call Her Fan Status Fake

The New York Knicks issued a statement supporting Taylor Swift after Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride called her courtside visits performative.

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Players Question Courtside Fandom

Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride sparked a reaction during a recent online appearance. On an NBA 2K League livestream posted on YouTube on Thursday, the two players were asked to name the fakest celebrity fan they had seen courtside at an NBA game.

Kolek pointed to pop star Taylor Swift. He explained that some celebrity appearances feel performative because famous people just want to be seen at games instead of being real fans. McBride agreed with his teammate. Kolek acknowledged he would get some hate from her fans for saying it. He added that she has a lot going on and cannot come all the time, but he still called it a little performative. McBride contrasted Swift with other regular stars, naming Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as examples of solid fans.

Knicks Stand By Famous Fan

The organization responded quickly to clear up the situation. On Friday, a Knicks spokesperson released a statement to defend Swift. The spokesperson said Swift has been a fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and that the organization is incredibly appreciative of her support.

Her history with the venue dates back more than two decades. Reports state her fandom began in 2003 when she sang in a halftime talent contest at 13 years old. Her wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was even held at Madison Square Garden in July.

Swift has spent time at several major postseason games. She watched Game 4 of the NBA Finals courtside wearing a Stevie Knicks shirt while sitting with friends Alana Haim, Este Haim, and Mariska Hargitay. She also sat courtside for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals when the team played in Cleveland, sitting alongside Kelce, who is a longtime Cleveland sports fan.

What it means for the next game

New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA, Sun, 08 Nov): Cleveland Cavaliers win 37%, New York Knicks win 63%; projected score Cleveland Cavaliers 111, New York Knicks 114. Our safest pick: Cavaliers +12.5.

Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks (NBA, Wed, 11 Nov): New York Knicks win 85%, Milwaukee Bucks win 15%; projected score New York Knicks 117, Milwaukee Bucks 104. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.