When the New York Knicks have a high-intensity NBA clash at Madison Square Garden, you know all the celebrities come in to mark their attendance. From Spike Lee to Timothée Chalamet to Ben Stiller, they loved the intensity of the Knicks, especially in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers.
Winning the game 111-94, the Knicks forced a Game 6 and looked to complete an unprecedented comeback. In addition to the celebrities, a host of Knicks legends and many other top NBA players attended the contest. It included some NBA champions, such as Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, and they had a wholesome moment on the court.
NBA Champions Embrace Each Other at Madison Square Garden
It looks like it’s been some time since Love and Smith reunited. They hugged it out, probably reminiscing about their memories of their glory days and becoming NBA champions. With the Knicks in a similar situation as the Cleveland Cavaliers nine years ago, Smith and Love had a great time on the court, witnessing a high-quality basketball game.
The duo played for the Cavaliers during their legendary run of returning from 3-1 to win the 2016 NBA Finals 4-3 against the Golden State Warriors. The two icons played a crucial role in the series, helping the Cavaliers produce an improbable comeback. LeBron James won his third NBA title, and these gentlemen won their first.
Former champs Kevin Love and JR Smith hug it out on the Madison Square Garden floor after Game 5 of the Knicks and Pacers 👏
(via @HoHighlights)pic.twitter.com/eN8h3T5Gha
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 30, 2025
Smith and Love supported James and Kyrie Irving with their scoring and played high-intensity defense during those playoff runs. Love averaged 14.7 points and 8.8 rebounds and was a terrific three-point shooter, shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc. As for Smith, he scored 11.5 points, played outstanding defense, fetching 1.2 steals, and shot well from the perimeter with a 3P% of 43.0.
With their instrumental role for the Cavaliers, Smith and Love propelled the team forward, and the irresistible duo took to the court again at Madison Square Garden. Right now, Smith resides in Freehold Borough, New Jersey, and making a trip to New York is comfortable. On the other hand, Love resides in the famous TriBeCa neighborhood and keeps shuttling around.
They must have relished the Knicks’ exploits in Game 5, as the Pacers risk falling off like the Warriors unless they can close out Game 6. With the Oklahoma City Thunder reaching the NBA Finals, they will get ample rest if this series goes the distance.
And with their firepower, it’s not easy for the Pacers to match them. Hence, expect many stars to come out at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to see the Knicks battle against the Pacers in a penultimate Game 7.
