Karl-Anthony Towns Praised For Comment About Celebrity Knicks Fans

Celebrity fans lined the court throughout the 2026 NBA Finals, cheering on the New York Knicks as they mounted a 4-1 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

These fans - including big names like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift and more - had the best seats in the house as the Knicks secured the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.

While the Karl-Anthony Towns appreciates this support from celebrity fans, the Knicks center believes the real credit lies with the fans who cheered on the team from the upper levels.

"In my mind, the real celebrities are the ones in the 200's and the nosebleeds,” Towns said, via Knicks insider Kris Pursianien.

More basketball:2016 Cleveland Cavaliers Reunite 10 Years After NBA Finals Victory

Fans loved this message from Towns.

“Everything that comes out of this guys mouth, I seem to like. Just an overall good head on those shoulders,” one wrote.

“This is actually awesome,” another said.

“KAT is a special guy,” another added.

More basketball:Kentucky Basketball Reacts to Karl-Anthony Towns' NBA Championship

Towns echoed the same message immediately after the Knicks’ 94-90 victory over the Spurs in Game 5, clinching the NBA title in San Antonio.

“Ya’ll put your 9 to 5s, your life savings, your kids’ college tuition up on the line for this,” Towns said of loyal Knicks fans postgame. “I’m glad we was able to make it all worth it.”

Towns averaged 13 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in the championship series, all while matching up against Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 5:07 PM.