Knicks Players Call Taylor Swift ‘Fakest Fan’ and ‘Performative’

The New York Knicks became one of the NBA Finals’ most sought-after attractions, drawing a star-studded crowd to Madison Square Garden that included Taylor Swift.

Swift was in the stands for Game 4 of the memorable series, which ended with the Knicks celebrating a historic NBA championship.

From courtside, she watched New York erase a 29-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs. Swift sat alongside Alana and Este Haim, with the group visibly invested in every twist and turn of the dramatic contest.

She had also attended the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers with Travis Kelce, her then-fiancé and a supporter of his hometown team. Months later, the couple married at the same iconic venue.

Swift had previously been spotted at Knicks games in 2014, during the years she established New York as one of her homes.

Even so, two current Knicks players have questioned the sincerity of her support, particularly when comparing her with longtime courtside regulars such as Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan and Spike Lee.

Two current Knicks players labeled Taylor Swift the team’s ‘fakest celebrity fan’

Swift watched Game 4 from courtside during the Knicks’ unforgettable NBA Finals run last season

During an appearance on the NBA 2K League’s Deflected show, Tyler Kolek and Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride were asked to identify the least genuine celebrity Knicks supporter.

Kolek suggested that some stars attend Knicks games mainly for the visibility rather than out of genuine fandom.

‘At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative. They just want to be seen at the game. They’re not necessarily fans,’ he said.

He then floated Swift’s name, asking, ‘Maybe Taylor Swift?’ McBride immediately nodded and said he agreed.

Kolek explained that he could not recall seeing Swift at many other Knicks games, prompting McBride to warn that Swifties would not appreciate the answer.

Kolek acknowledged the likely backlash, saying he expected to receive plenty of criticism from Swift’s fiercely loyal fan base.

McBride, however, praised several of the team’s more familiar celebrity supporters. ‘Everybody else is usually solid. Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan — those are legit,’ he said.

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Kolek softened his criticism by noting that Swift has a busy schedule and cannot attend every game, but maintained that her appearances felt ‘a little performative.’

Knicks broadcaster Monica McNutt also attracted heavy criticism while covering the game attended by Swift after remarking: ‘She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.’

Knicks guard Tyler Kolek questioned Swift’s support and described her appearances as ‘performative’

Miles McBride agreed with his teammate while acknowledging that Swifties would be unhappy

Swift also attended the Knicks’ matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, her husband’s former team, in May

Star guard Jalen Brunson later came to Swift’s defense as criticism from her fans continued. During a locker-room interview with McNutt following the celebrations, he used the moment to send a message to the Swifties.

‘I just want to say something to the Swifties,’ Brunson told MSG Sports. ‘She’s a really good one. Cut her some slack. It’s all good. I promise.’

McNutt subsequently explained her remarks to TMZ Sports, admitting she may have misjudged Swift’s connection to the team after learning that the singer owns an original Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks jersey.

‘I said what I said, and here’s the deal: if I’m wrong, I am wrong apparently, because she’s got an OG Amar’e Stoudemire jersey,’ McNutt said.

‘I misspoke. I did not know. But here’s the context: I had literally just done a piece on celebrity row at Madison Square Garden. I’ve been with this organization for five years, so I know these people.’

She went on to name Stiller, his wife Christine, Spike Lee and Fat Joe as established fixtures at Knicks games. McNutt added that she had not seen Swift at Madison Square Garden during the current or previous season, although Swift had recently been spotted in Cleveland alongside Kelce.

‘Obviously, Travis supports the Cavs. She wasn’t wearing any Knicks paraphernalia, so I didn’t know about her Knicks loyalty,’ McNutt said. ‘T-Swift, we could be united in orange and blue. It’s fine.’

The following day, Swift attended the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York. There, Universal Music Publishing president Evan Lamberg was overheard thanking her for helping bring good fortune to the Knicks.

‘Thank you for our Knicks’ good luck. I think you won the game for them,’ Lamberg told her.

Swift laughed and replied: ‘Oh my gosh, you know what? I did what I could. Just got to keep the energy up. Never a doubt!’