- Knicks host Game 1 of Opening Day series against Philadelphia
- New York finished with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses, earning them the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Ben Stiller won’t stay silent after Philadelphia 76ers star Kelly Oubre Jr. took a jab at the New York Knicks and a line of celebrities at Madison Square Garden.
Before the Knicks vs. Sixers first-round series, Oubre acknowledged the crowd at the world’s most famous arena. However, he suggested that the A-listers who sit in the front row are being given seats even though he doesn’t care about the team.
“They’re going to give that $100,000 to celebrities.” [worth of] I’m not interested in the game, it’s just a free ticket to go there,” Oubre said on Friday. “That’s what they do.”
The next day, Stiller defended his fandom, replying sarcastically to Wolbe’s comments about X:
The actor’s response was a reference to White Goodman, the famous character from the 2004 film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
Stiller’s dedication to the Knicks has been shown on other occasions as well. Earlier this season, Stiller lashed out at X after All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson was called for a controversial foul in a two-point loss to the Houston Rockets.
“@NBAOfficial How are you going to deal with the terrible call by the Houston Knicks,” he wrote. “Brunson was fouled the entire game.” [Dillon] Brooks and a no call to end the game and take the game out of your hands. Brunson is an All-Star, but he didn’t commit a foul in this game. Wrong call. Overtime pay will apply. ”
Stiller also addressed fans during an appearance on Branson and Josh Hart’s “Roommates Show” in March. During the podcast, the Zoolander star addressed the struggles that have been shared between the team and its fan base over the past few decades.
“There’s definitely some real excitement about the Knicks right now and, you know, it’s like a fan base that’s really hungry for the Knicks,” Stiller shared. “It’s nothing compared to this city, this fan base, this team.
“New York basketball fans are unlike any other, and with the rise of social media, it’s even more so.”
Stiller’s fellow actor and Knicks fan Jerry Ferrara also joined in on the banter, encouraging the 76ers players to continue the conversation before the game.
“To the Sixers players, please keep doing interviews and talking about your shit,” Ferrara posted. “We all know you have an extensive history in the playoffs over the last 10 years. … This is fun! I usually want to win at all costs. But it’s going to be a series where the Sixers’ role players cry like idiots.”
Led by Brunson, the Knicks have had their best season recently, earning the No. 2 seed with a 50-32 record.
Meanwhile, the 76ers finished 46-36 in the play-in game against the Miami Heat, securing the No. 7 seed. The 76ers and Knicks will kick off the series at MSG on Saturday at 6pm ET.
