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Celebrities turn out in force for Knicks’ banner night — with one notable absence

The Knicks’ famous fans were out in force to see the 2025-26 NBA champions receive their rings and open up the season, with the hopes of successfully defending their title.

Many of the celebs who took in the Knicks’ playoff run last spring returned on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden as Spike Lee showed off his usual flair for the team, sporting an orange-and-blue pinstriped suit, along with “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay, comedian Tracy Morgan and actor Ben Stiller. 

Spike Lee stands on the basketball court wearing a bright orange and blue striped suit, matching hat, and thick white glasses.
Spike Lee looks on from the court prior to the Knicks’ ring ceremony before their season-opener against the 76ers on Oct. 20, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
Edie Falco and Steve Schirripa smiling while sitting in the audience.
Edie Falco and Steve Schirripa pose for a photo before the Knicks’ home opener against the 76ers at the Garden.

Hargitay was seen giving Morgan a big hug during the pre-game show, while Stiller was seen in the background snapping a photo. 

“I know I’m going to cry tonight,” Morgan told “NBA Showtime” ahead of the game. “Been a long time and then we going to turn the page. It’s time to defend now. .. We going to run it back. … I’m not scared. We not scared of nobody.” 

Other celebs on hand included Fat Joe, Edie Falco, Steve Schirripa, John Turturro, Action Bronson and Sam Morril. 

Jordyn Woods, who tied the knot with Karl-Anthony Towns in August, was courtside for the game, with a gold bag in honor of ring knight. 

Tracy Morgan and New York Knicks' OG Anunoby hug before an NBA basketball game.
Tracy Morgan and OG Anunoby hug before the Knicks’ home opener against the 76ers at the Garden.
Actors Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor attend a basketball game.
Actors Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, look on before the Knicks’ home opener against the 76ers.

Singer Bon Jovi was courtside for the game, along with NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell.

Mets owner Steve Cohen was seen at the game, and failed presidential candidate Chris Christie was spotted in the stands. 

One notable star was not there for the ceremony: “Dune” star Timothée Chalamet. 

Chalamet had been one of the Knicks’ biggest A-list fans making trips to New York and various road games during the championship run. 

“The Knicks fan base needs to be studied and observed. We move,” Morgan said. “We take over stadiums. We take it over. What the Knicks did doesn’t go down in basketball. That happens in soccer. We pulled four million people together and we got a glimpse of greatness.” 

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