Game 7 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden was not only a highly anticipated basketball matchup but also a star-studded affair. The broadcast began with ESPN showcasing a range of famous faces in attendance, highlighting the magnitude of the event.
Among the celebrities present were Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Clyde Frazier, John McEnroe, Tracy Morgan, Fat Joe, and Jon Stewart. These individuals had been regular fixtures in the Garden throughout the Knicks’ recent playoff run. Other notable attendees included Steve Schirripa, Christopher Meloni, Travis Scott, and Jadakiss.
The crowd erupted during warmups when Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, who were both questionable due to injuries, were announced as available to play after going through warmups. This news was crucial in determining their availability and added to the excitement in the arena.
Even Knicks legend John Starks, who has been a constant presence during the postseason, was shown on the broadcast, wearing a Knicks hat and passionately clapping in the second quarter. Starks expressed his understanding of what fans go through during these high-stakes games, acknowledging how exhausting it can be to hang on every play.
Game 5 saw the likes of Billie Eilish, Common, and Jennifer Hudson in attendance, while Bryan Cranston and Chris Rock were among those who made their way to the Garden for Game 2. The energy in the arena was electric, especially considering the Knicks’ strong home record throughout the playoffs.
However, despite the star power and the home-court advantage, the Knicks found themselves trailing by a double-digit deficit after the first quarter. The Pacers shot an impressive 76 percent from the field, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 14 points. It seemed as though Indiana was torching the Knicks’ defense.
While Alec Burks had a scoring burst in the second quarter, collecting 10 points in just seven minutes on the court, the Knicks still faced a significant 70-55 deficit at halftime. The Garden, initially quieted by the Pacers’ dominant first quarter, regained its energy thanks to Burks’ performance.
As the game progressed, the Knicks faced an uphill battle to erase the deficit and advance to the Eastern Conference finals. The star-studded crowd at Madison Square Garden was filled with anticipation and hope, fervently supporting their team.
In conclusion, Game 7 between the Knicks and the Pacers not only showcased high-level basketball but also attracted a star-studded crowd. The presence of famous faces like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Clyde Frazier added to the excitement and atmosphere in the Garden. Despite a double-digit deficit, the Knicks and their fans remained hopeful, demonstrating their unwavering support.
