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Knicks back Taylor Swift after players call her fake fan

The New York Knicks issued a statement defending Taylor Swift’s long‑time support after reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride labeled her a “fake” fan during a recent NBA 2K livestream and a Deflected segment. The team said Swift has attended games for years, including courtside at Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks completed a 29‑point comeback win. The organization’s response follows earlier criticism from broadcaster Monica McNutt, who later apologized.

Key facts

  • Swift wore a "Stevie Knicks" shirt while courtside at Game 4.
  • She sat next to Este Haim, Alana Haim and Mariska Hargitay at that game.
  • Swift married Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden the month after the finals.
  • NYPD officers tried to corner Kolek during the Knicks championship parade, mistaking him for a rogue fan.
  • Swift previously attended Knicks games against the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic in 2014.

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Why it matters

Shows how high‑profile celebrity fandom can spark team‑public relations issues.

What changed

  1. First published from Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, The Guardian and BBC News