Hollywood icons Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller were at the center of an exuberant celebration on Friday night at the Frost Bank Center. These stars were among the many reveling in the New York Knicks’ triumphant stride toward basketball glory.
The Knicks are closing in on their first NBA championship since 1973, following a nail-biting 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2. This win propelled them to a 2-0 lead in the series, bringing them tantalizingly close to capturing the coveted title.
Chalamet and Stiller, along with other high-profile fans, couldn’t contain their joy after witnessing New York’s hard-fought win on enemy turf. Footage surfaced online showing the pair celebrating enthusiastically backstage, embodying the electrifying atmosphere of the night.
Chalamet, known for his role in ‘Marty Supreme,’ was spotted warmly greeting arena staff and exchanging high-fives with fellow fans as he exited. His path crossed with Stiller’s, and the two shared a jubilant embrace, marking a moment of shared excitement.
In the wake of this thrilling Game 2 conclusion, Chalamet took to social media, posting a video from inside a limousine where he celebrated alongside New York rapper Fat Joe. Their shared enthusiasm captured the spirit of the night.
Although Chalamet’s girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, was noticeably absent—enjoying some downtime in Turks and Caicos—she still joined in the celebration from afar. Jenner posted about the Knicks’ victory on her Instagram story, demonstrating her support and eagerness to stay connected to the unfolding drama.
Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller led the celebrations in the corridors of the Frost Bank Center on Friday night after the Knicks won Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs
The Knicks will take a 2-0 series lead with them back to New York ahead of next week’s games
There was no sign of Kylie Jenner on the night, who recently traveled to Turks and Caicos
Chalamet and Stiller, regular fixtures courtside at Madison Square Garden, traveled down to Texas to back their beloved franchise through the opening leg of the series.
Meanwhile, back in New York, fellow filmmaker Spike Lee was seen leading the celebrations as he drove through huge crowds of jubilant Knicks fans.
On the night, Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 21 points and 13 rebounds, as New York showed the quality that has carried them throughout the playoffs.
Mikal Bridges was superb in support, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, adding six assists and six rebounds in another impressive all-round display.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson was not at his sharpest, shooting 7-of-25 from the field, but still found ways to contribute with 20 points, six assists and five steals.
Victor Wembanyama gave San Antonio everything he had – with 29 points and nine rebounds – but the Spurs were unable to secure the win they so desperately needed.
De’Aaron Fox added 20 points and five assists for the Spurs, who led by as many as 12 in the first quarter before New York outscored them in the final three periods.
Devin Vassell contributed 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Spurs, but it was not enough as New York’s collective resolve proved the difference.
It follows a dramatic Game 1 in which the Knicks trailed early after Brunson hurt his knee in the first quarter, only to storm back and win 105-95.
The Knicks previously swept Cleveland 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals and have now won 13-straight playoff games.
Kylie Jenner did share a post celebrating the victory on her Instagram story on Friday night
Spike Lee was seen celebrating with fans in New York after the Knicks beat the Spurs
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns helped lead the Knicks to a win in Game 2 on Friday
Victor Wembanyama gave San Antonio everything he had but they still came up short
New York entered this postseason as a third seed, dismissed by many as contenders.
However, they have beaten Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland without breaking sweat, and now lead the Spurs 2-0 as they head back to New York for Game 3.
The franchise last won the championship in 1973 – the year of Frazier, Reed and DeBusschere. A city that has endured 53 years of near-misses now dares to dream in a way it has not done in a generation.
The series now moves to Madison Square Garden, where President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 on Monday.
Trump was personally invited by Knicks owner James Dolan. NBA commissioner Adam Silver welcomed the visit, calling Trump a lifelong Knicks fan who attended multiple NBA drafts at the Garden in earlier years.
Fans are advised to arrive two hours early due to the Secret Service security operation. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also attend, though in a separate section from the president.
Tickets for Game 3 are among the hottest in recent sporting memory, with minimum get-in prices reported at over $8,000.
