After his shot missed, Philadelphia 76ers’ forward Kelly Oubre Jr. sparked controversy by criticizing the authenticity of the celebrity fans at Madison Square Garden.
During a press conference on April 19, ahead of a playoff game against the Knicks, Oubre remarked, “They’re gonna give celebrities those $100,000 [worth of] free tickets just to be there and not care about the game. That’s what they do.”
However, celebrities known for their courtside presence quickly defended their fan bona fides. “Sopranos” actor Steve Schirripa responded to Oubre’s claim, telling The Post, “He’s talking a little bit out of his ass there and he’s wrong, because they’re real fans. Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, myself, Matthew Modine, John McEnroe, Fat Joe, all fans. They probably know more about basketball than him, believe it or not.”
Schirripa, a Brooklyn native and a longtime Knicks enthusiast, emphasized that the front-row regulars are genuine supporters: “The fans in the front row are really fans,” he said, recalling his own skepticism in the past when the Knicks weren’t performing well. Yet, he has noticed a positive change, with true fans now occupying the front seats more consistently.
Ben Stiller, another famous Knicks fan, took a lighthearted jab at Oubre via Twitter: “Oh I think I care a lot more than you think that you thought I cared… Kelly Who-bre?”
Matthew Modine also weighed in, sharing from the Manhattan set of his upcoming Netflix series “Zero Day.” A New York resident since 1979, Modine, who has attended over 500 games, expressed his indifference to where he sits: “Sometimes I’ll go with some friends who might have tickets and sometimes I’m a guest of the Garden and they put me on the floor,” he said. “I’m not particular. I think some celebrities feel that if they can’t have their feet on the wood, they feel slighted or insulted and I don’t care. I’m just happy to be there enjoying the experience.”
Schirripa, reflecting on his days before fame allowed him closer seats, shared, “My family didn’t have any money for that,” but his role on “The Sopranos” changed his fortunes, allowing him closer access: “After I landed the role in ‘The Sopranos,’ I luckily got to sit much closer.”
For these celebrities, being recognized at the Garden remains a thrill, marking their genuine engagement and long-term commitment as fans of the Knicks.
