Democratic Socialist Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani cheered on the Knicks' playoff win from seats costing upwards of $700 apiece. Mamdani attended the Knicks' Game 2 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, where the team secured its first conference finals win since 1999.
Mayor's Social Media Post
In a post on X, the city's chief shared a smiling photo alongside Public Advocate Jumaane Williams inside the packed arena, captioning it: 'Knicks forever.' The post was shared after the team cruised to a dominant 109-93 win over the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ticket Purchase and Schedule
Mamdani — who earlier announced a $50 World Cup ticket raffle for New York residents — is an ardent Knicks fan. The mayor reportedly purchased his own ticket for the Game 2 showdown and paid face value. However, his attendance was not listed on his public schedule.
The Garden was overflowing with celebrity energy as Knicks diehards Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller joined a growing list of stars backing the team during its playoff run. Chalamet, who even skipped the Met Gala to cheer on the Knicks in the first game of the conference semifinals at MSG, once again took pride of place on the arena's famous Celebrity Row.
Fan Reactions
While the game was ongoing, a fan who paid roughly $700 for their ticket snapped a pic of Mamdani sitting nearby, NY1 journalist Bernadette Hogan posted on X. His visit prompted a massive range of reactions in the comments.
- 'Hey Zohran, you Ugandan-born DSA fraud "Knicks forever?" Lmao, another taxpayer-funded photo-op in your cheap suit, pretending to be a real New Yorker while you tax us into oblivion, flood the city with migrants, and let crime explode,' one comment read.
- 'Fake-ass socialist jinx go choke on it. Knicks fans don't need your commie curse,' it added. 'Mamdani never.'
- Another said: 'Hey man how about making some of these tickets more affordable for New Yorkers too?'
- 'Who paid for the tickets?' a third wrote. 'If you got them for free why didn't you decline unless everyone got in for free.'
- One comment read: 'Why not give your ticket to the people? Time to tax elite ticket holders.'
Others, however, praised the mayor for opting for nosebleed seats rather than courtside luxury, applauding him for avoiding what they saw as rubbing shoulders with the elite. 'I respect the nosebleeds seats and posting it. Can't even hate on this,' one comment read. Another said: 'For once I agree with you. Way to go Knicks!'
Accusations of Jinxing
Still, others accused Mamdani of 'jinxing' the Knicks by attending, pointing back to his previous outing at a big New York game. Mamdani was accused of cursing the New York Mets earlier in the MLB season when the baseball team slumped to a 12-game losing streak after the mayor attended a game and met their mascots, Mr and Mrs Met. One comment read: 'Respectfully go f*** yourself stay away from the Knicks. He cursed the Mets season when he went to Citi Field.' 'Keep this fraud far from the Knicks. Mets lost like 15 straight after he hugged Mrs Met,' another said.
Celebrity Presence
Mamdani was far from the only recognizable face in attendance, however, with many of the biggest names spending top dollar for courtside seats. Zoolander star Ben Stiller was captured animatedly cheering on Knicks guard Josh Hart. Martha Stewart and Mariska Hargitay, who sported a Knicks puffer jacket, had front row seats. Marty Supreme star Chalamet was not joined by girlfriend Kylie Jenner on this occasion. However, he was spotted chatting to Tracy Morgan, who was sat a couple of seats down the row in head-to-toe Knicks blue and orange.
Stiller, who, unlike Chalamet, sparked backlash from NBA fans for snubbing the Knicks for the Met Gala earlier this month, didn't make the same mistake again. The actor made it clear where his loyalties lie as he was captured rising to his feet and applauding New York as they stormed into a dominant lead. Actors Jason Bateman and Jason Sudeikis enjoyed a night of family bonding as they attended alongside their daughters. Martha Stewart and Mariska Hargitay, who sported a Knicks puffer jacket, had also managed to snatch up front row seats. The celebrity horde also featured US tennis icon John McEnroe.
Meanwhile, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg watched from courtside, far removed from Mamdani's upper-deck seats. The Daily Mail has contacted Mamdani's office for comment.
