An unexpected viral moment occurred during the NBA Finals when a Knicks radio host inadvertently made headlines for a comment captured on a hot mic, telling Taylor Swift to “get out” of Madison Square Garden.
Swift was among several celebrities present at Wednesday’s Game 4 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The game was notable for featuring one of the most dramatic comebacks in NBA history, bringing the Knicks within one victory of clinching the championship.
The pop sensation enjoyed the game from a prime courtside spot, accompanied by her close friends Alana and Este Haim. Swift received a warm reception from the majority of the fans, who erupted in cheers when she appeared on the jumbotron.
However, not everyone was thrilled with Swift’s presence in such a coveted seat at the iconic MSG.
Monica McNutt of ESPN New York, covering Game 4 alongside co-host Tyler Murray, unintentionally set social media abuzz after her critical remarks about Swift were broadcast live on the radio.
During the broadcast, McNutt curiously asked her co-host, “Is that Taylor Swift down there?”
A Knicks radio host accidentally went viral at the NBA Finals for ripping into Taylor Swift
ESPN New York’s Monica McNutt (right) was heard telling Swift to ‘get out’ of MSG on the night
After Murray doubted it was actually her, she added: ‘With that long ponytail, ain’t that her in the blue?’
‘I don’t know if I believe you,’ her colleague responded before taking out his phone to seemingly use his camera to zoom in on Swift.
McNutt then said: ‘She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here girl.’
The radio hosts both appeared to be unaware that they were live on air at the time. The Daily Mail has reached out to McNutt for comment.
A number of die-hard ‘Swifties’ inevitably went on the offensive, taking aim at McNutt for her swipe at their beloved singer.
One wrote on X: ‘always unfortunate when woman are bitter about other women for no reason’.
‘I hope this woman apologises for her unprofessional behaviour when she finds out Taylor is in fact a Knicks fan and has been since she was a teenager,’ said another.
A third commented: ‘“she’s not a knicks fan” yeah because you’re her best friend and you know everything about her’.
McNutt was covering Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs
Swift was seen going berserk as the Knicks pulled off one of the greatest comebacks ever
They fought back from 29 points down to win the game, the largest recovery in Finals history
While another user put: ‘MONICA NOOOOOOO’.
Swift soaked up the action at MSG without fiance Travis Kelce, who was unable to join her in the Big Apple while on a mandatory three-day minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs in preparation for the 2026 NFL season.
She instead enjoyed a girls’ night at the Garden with her beau out of town – and it was one for the ages as the Knicks somehow fought back from 29 points down to leave themselves on the cusp of NBA glory.
She brought two of her closest friends to Game 4, with sisters Alana and Este – two thirds of the pop-rock band HAIM – taking up courtside seats next to her.
The trio were all wearing hilarious blue-and-orange T-shirts dedicated to the home team, with Swift’s reading ‘Stevie Knicks’ on the front in a clever twist on the Fleetwood Mac singer. Alana and Este, meanwhile, wore special ‘Knickole Kidman’ and ‘Knickelback’ tops.
A ticket to Madison Square Garden for Game 4 was the hottest in town. As of Wednesday afternoon, the cheapest were being sold for around $4,000 as the Knicks eye their first championship since 1973.
And in the end, those lofty prices proved justified after the Knicks carved out the largest NBA Finals comeback in history.
OG Anunoby tipped in the miss of Jalen Brunson’s long 3-point attempt with 1.2 seconds remaining to complete the rally, giving New York a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals and three chances to win the title.
Swift and her group could not believe their eyes after witnessing an all-time great moment
The songstress was open-mouthed after the Knicks moved to within one win of the title
Swift was accompanied by her friends Este (R) and Alana Haim (L)
Swift had some fun at the game by wearing a shirt reading ‘Stevie Knicks’
Scooter Braun (R) and Sydney Sweeney (L) narrowly risked a run-in with Taylor
Fans on social media spotted the couple sitting awkwardly close to the singer (pictured)
Taylor also spent time with a surprising friend at game four of the NBA Finals
The pop star was seated courtside, with 62-year-old actress Mariska Hargitay
The women wore matching blue and orange ‘Stevie Knicks’ T-shirts
Hargitay previously appeared in Swift’s 2015 Bad Blood music video, making this a reunion
Swift flashed her megawatt smile as she sported her signature red lipstick
The fashionista teamed her custom T-shirt with black jeans
The Knicks will now arrive in Texas for Game 5 on Saturday knowing one win will be enough to seal the title after their historic comeback.
Swift joined a number of A-list stars on celebrity row at MSG for Game 4, including die-hard Knicks fans Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee.
Chalamet was sat courtside with girlfriend Kylie Jenner, whose bestie Hailey Bieber had to settle for a suite higher up in the arena.
Swift, who appeared on the red carpet in Los Angeles for the Toy Story 5 premiere just days ago, is a huge Knicks fan after living in New York for a number of years.
An insider also exclusively told Daily Mail last week that she is set to marry Kelce at MSG on July 3 after the couple decided to ’embrace the spectacle’ of a giant wedding.
The source also revealed that Taylor and Travis were considering Casa Cipriani in Manhattan’s Financial District as a potential venue prior to settling on the home of the Knicks, which can accommodate up to 22,000 people.
It’s unclear just how many people will be invited to witness them tie the knot, yet fans are expected to be invited to celebrate.
