The Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers wasn’t just a clash of hardwood titans. It was the social event of the season, a spectacle that blended the thunderous roar of NBA playoffs with the red-carpet glamour of Tinseltown.
But beyond the roar of the crowd and the squeak of sneakers on the parquet, another spectacle captivated fans: a constellation of Hollywood icons, music moguls, and sports legends packed the courtside rows, transforming the arena into a star-studded gala.
By tip-off, it was clear. This wasn’t merely basketball. It was the night New York’s most celebrated names came out to prove they bleed orange and blue.
Courtside Stars Shine Bright at Knicks-Pacers ECF Game 1
As the Garden’s lights dimmed for pregame introductions, cameras panned to see Timothée Chalamet, the unofficial “Knicks king” whose every appearance courtside has become must-see TV, exuding Hollywood cool.
Yet perhaps the most poignant presence was the bridge between eras. Knicks legends Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, John Starks, and Amar’e Stoudemire gathered courtside to soak in a franchise milestone they helped shape two—and, in some cases, three—decades ago.
J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony & Amar’e Stoudemire pulled up to Game 1
Knickstape reunion 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GCZaVNPP57
— Underdog (@Underdog) May 22, 2025
Not far away, 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star Livvy Dunne cheered with infectious enthusiasm, proving that her star power extends well beyond the beach.
As cameras traced every move, the glitterati brought their own brand of drama:
- Timothée Chalamet
- Livvy Dunne
- Tracy Morgan
- Ben Stiller
- Jon Hamm
- Martha Stewart
- Larry David
- Mary J. Blige
- Busta Rhymes
- Sunisa Lee (Olympian)
- Jimmy Fallon
- Dave Chappelle
- J.R. Smith
- Carmelo Anthony
- Patrick Ewing
- John Starks
- Amar’e Stoudemire
Tracy Morgan, a self-professed Knicks superfan, sported a custom Josh Hart T-shirt and punctuated every key Knicks moment with his trademark laugh.
Ben Stiller and Jon Hamm, each clad in sleek evening attire, appeared the very picture of laid-back Hollywood cool. Musical royalty joined the fray: Mary J. Blige, already a legend in her own right, delivered a surprise halftime performance that electrified the Garden.
Busta Rhymes bounced in his courtside seat, nodding emphatically to every beat of the game, while Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee infused the stands with her trademark poise and grace. And proving that late-night comedy and late-game drama go hand in hand, Jimmy Fallon brought his boundless energy to each pivotal moment, reveling in the playoff theatrics.
Timmy (Timothee Chalamet) during the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks on May 21, 2025 in New York City 🏀💕
Photos by Brad Penner pic.twitter.com/A8rQuEIhOl
— Manon – Maoui (@dreams2decembre) May 22, 2025
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 1 Recap
On the hardwood, the drama mirrored the star power above. Indiana mounted one of the most astonishing comebacks in recent playoff history. With 2:45 remaining and the Knicks holding a seemingly comfortable 14-point lead, the tide turned.
Indiana unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, spearheaded by Aaron Nesmith, who buried six triples in the final 3:15 to breathe life into the visiting crowd.
Tyrese Haliburton then delivered the coup de grâce at the regulation buzzer, his midrange jumper along with the Miller “choke” sign—later revealed to have been launched from just inside the arc—swishing through to force overtime.
Overtime belonged to the Pacers. New York struggled to regain composure, mustering only 10 points as Indiana poured in 13. In the end, Pacers took the win by 138-135.
Despite the stunning finish, the Knicks showcased Herculean efforts from their stars. Jalen Brunson poured in 43 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns logged 35 points and 12 rebounds in a valiant bid to secure the win.
For the Knicks, the bitter pill of defeat will taste all the more sour given how close they came to silencing the visitors’ rally early. The Knicks learned the need for unwavering focus in the game’s final minutes—a lesson that looms large as the series transitions to Indiana for Game 2 on Friday night.