Olympic gymnast Suni Lee made a dazzling appearance at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night to catch the NBA Cup clash between the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. The 2020 Olympic all-around gold medalist and gymnastics superstar took a courtside seat, soaking in the thrilling atmosphere of one of basketball’s most iconic arenas.
Lee, who boasts six Olympic medals in her illustrious career, didn’t hide her excitement about being at “The Mecca of Basketball.” In a brief interview during the game, she expressed just how much she enjoyed the night. “Oh my gosh, it was so cool. I had so much fun. This is my first time at a Knicks game, and it’s definitely one to remember,” she shared. “I’m currently getting my jersey signed in the back.”
Though it’s unclear if the entire Knicks roster signed Lee’s jersey, there’s speculation that OG Anunoby’s signature may be among those scrawled across it. The Knicks forward, who has been having an impressive season, ended up posing for a photo with Lee after the game, and that picture quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking a wave of reactions.
Lee and Anunoby’s Viral Moment
The viral snapshot captured Suni Lee standing side-by-side with OG Anunoby, both beaming after the Knicks’ victory over the Magic.
Fans on social media were quick to comment on the interaction, with many expressing excitement about seeing the two stars from different sports worlds coming together. The buzz surrounding the photo wasn’t just about the Knicks’ performance but also about Lee’s growing presence outside the gymnastics arena.
Anunoby has been instrumental in the Knicks’ strong showing this season, averaging 17.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 37.9 percent from beyond the arc. The young forward has also been in the spotlight for his interactions with celebrities at Madison Square Garden.
Earlier this season, Anunoby made headlines when he nearly crashed into actress Anne Hathaway during a courtside scramble—a moment that went viral in its own right.
Tuesday’s meeting with Suni Lee added another memorable celebrity encounter to Anunoby’s courtside résumé, continuing the trend of high-profile interactions at MSG. The shared photo seemed to resonate with both basketball and gymnastics fans, highlighting the mutual admiration that professional athletes across disciplines have for each other.
Suni Lee’s Growing Spotlight
Suni Lee has also been having quite the year in the public eye, making waves for her activities both in and out of the gymnastics world. In addition to her Olympic achievements, Lee was recently unveiled as a member of the 2025 rookie class for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Her appearance in the iconic magazine marks a new chapter for the young gymnast as she continues to explore opportunities beyond the gym.
The photoshoot took place in Boca Raton, Florida, and her rookie photo shoot will be officially released in May. Lee’s inclusion in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been met with excitement from her fans and the magazine itself. “In case you were wondering… yes, we’re still totally flipping out over @sunisalee’s SI Swimsuit debut,” the magazine’s official Instagram account posted. “At just 21 years old, Suni has already achieved a career’s worth of accomplishments in the gym and beyond, but she’s not done yet—because she’s just added SI Swimsuit to the list!”
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Lee has proven to be much more than an athlete—she’s evolving into a multifaceted public figure.
Her appearance at Madison Square Garden, a meeting with OG Anunoby, and her upcoming swimsuit debut are just further indicators that she’s embracing opportunities in the spotlight and enjoying the different avenues life has to offer her.
An Iconic Night at Madison Square Garden
Suni Lee’s night at Madison Square Garden was filled with excitement, star-studded interactions, and plenty of memorable moments.
For Lee, who has achieved so much already at such a young age, the opportunity to experience the thrill of an NBA game up close was clearly special. The iconic venue provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening, and her enthusiasm during her brief courtside interview was palpable.
Fans who attended the game or watched at home were quick to share their thoughts online, with many praising Lee for her down-to-earth excitement and genuine enjoyment of the experience. One fan wrote, “Suni Lee is living her best life, and we love to see it!” Another added, “Seeing Suni at MSG just makes me love her even more. She’s so real.”
Lee’s enthusiasm wasn’t just reserved for the action on the court. Her interaction with OG Anunoby, which culminated in the now-viral photo, was another testament to her appreciation for being part of such an iconic sports moment. While the Knicks’ victory over the Magic was the primary storyline of the night, Lee’s presence added an extra layer of excitement and star power to the event.
What’s Next for Suni Lee?
As Suni Lee continues to explore new opportunities outside of gymnastics, fans are eager to see what she does next. From gold medals to magazine covers, and now courtside appearances at NBA games, Lee has continued to surprise and delight her supporters.
Her foray into the modeling world, particularly with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, shows that she’s eager to embrace new challenges.
Whether it’s posing for a high-profile photo shoot or watching an NBA Cup game from the best seats in the house, Suni Lee seems to be living life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
And while there’s no confirmation on whether she’ll be back at Madison Square Garden before her Sports Illustrated debut in May, it’s clear that Lee enjoyed every minute of her first Knicks game. “I’m down to see another Knicks game,” she said, hinting that her courtside adventure might not be a one-time thing.
For now, Suni Lee remains a shining example of what happens when talent, hard work, and a willingness to explore new horizons come together.
Her journey, both in the world of gymnastics and beyond, is just getting started—and her fans will certainly be along for the ride, cheering her on every step of the way.
