Knicks rewind: Look back at the star-studded celebrity row from years past, including team’s last appearance in 1999 NBA Finals
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The New York Knicks will take on the San Antonio Spurs for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals Monday night — with a star-studded crowd cheering them on.
Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee are just a few of the diehard fans who will likely be seated inside Madison Square Garden’s iconic celebrity row, after previously hanging courtside with Fat Joe, Tracy Morgan, Shaquille O’Neal and more for the first two games.
It’s a historic season for the Knicks (who currently lead 2-0), as it’s the first time they’ve made an appearance in the NBA finals since June 1999. Back then, the Garden’s coveted courtside seats were filled by A-listers like Adam Sandler, Alec Baldwin, Chris Rock and more.
Keep scrolling for a look back at celebrities who attended the 1999 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs — and others who’ve sat in celebrity row for various Knicks games at MSG over the years.
Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, were spotted arriving at Madison Square Garden on June 23, 1999, before taking their seats courtside for the Knicks vs. Spurs game. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Billy Crystal and Alec Baldwin were photographed courtside in June 1999, cheering on the Knicks before they secured a spot in the NBA Finals that year. Getty Images
Also spotted front row at a 1999 Knicks game was actor Jason Patric and supermodel Christy Turlington. Getty Images
Actor Adam Sandler and comedian Chris Rock were regulars at Knicks games at MSG during their road to the NBA Finals in 1999. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Other A-listers spotted front row at games in 1999 included Jerry Seinfeld and Sean “Diddy” Combs. NBAE via Getty Images
Since the 1999 NBA Finals, Sandler has continued to support the Knicks courtside at MSG. The actor is pictured above at a game in December 2004. NBAE via Getty Images
Madonna’s also been spotted courtside on several occasions, including here with a friend in June 1994. AFP via Getty Images
Back in February 2012, Richard Gere brought his son Homer (who recently starred in “Euphoria” with Sydney Sweeney) to a Knicks game at the Garden. WireImage
Leonardo DiCaprio, Josh Charles and Ethan Hawke (pictured together above) have all sat front row at MSG over the years. WireImage
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have also made appearances on celebrity row, including here in a photo from December 2002. Getty Images
Prior to her heartbreaking death in 2009, actress Brittany Murphy was photographed courtside with Ashton Kutcher for a Knicks game in December 2002. Getty Images
Bill Murray is another actor fans have spotted sitting in celebrity row at several games, including here in an arrival photo from May 1993. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Lindsay Lohan was photographed courtside for a Knicks game in April 2004, as seen above. Getty Images
Heidi Klum sported an “I [love] NY” T-shirt while cheering on the Knicks at MSG back in the day. WireImage
Hawke has been a regular at MSG, as seen seated above with a pal in celebrity row in this throwback pic. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Other celebrities who’ve sat courtside for various Knicks games at MSG include Whoopi Goldberg and Sean Penn (pictured together above). WireImage
Even Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (pictured above) have experienced the celebrity row experience at MSG. WireImage
Bringing your kids to a Knicks game has become a fun hobby for many celebs, including Julianne Moore, pictured here at a game with her son. WireImage
Cash Warren and Jessica Alba had a courtside date night at a Knicks game in November 2005, prior to their 2024 split. WireImage
“Sex and the City” star Kim Cattrall had a front row seat next to Beyoncé for a Knicks game back in the day. WireImage
Natalie Portman has also been photographed cheering on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. WireImage
Ray Liotta (seen above) was snapped courtside for a game in February 2004. Getty Images
Spike Lee is one of the Knicks’ most diehard fans. He’s pictured here cheering on the team back in May 1994. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
Kevin James (pictured above) was spotted on celebrity row back in November 2002. NBAE via Getty Images
Back in 2002, Ice Cube also made a front row appearance to cheer on the New York-based team. NBAE via Getty Images
Glenn Close was spotted chatting it up with David Blaine at a Knicks game in December 2003. Getty Images
Nia Long was all smiles posing for paps in her courtside seat back in April 2004. Getty Images
Newer Knicks fans include Selena Gomez and her husband, Benny Blanco (pictured above at a game in April 2025). Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Timothée Chalamet has become a regular at Knicks games — even skipping out on the 2026 Met Gala with girlfriend Kylie Jenner to support his team. NBAE via Getty Images
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce packed on the PDA during their recent MSG appearance in May 2026, ahead of their summer wedding set to take place inside the garden in July. Getty Images
Stiller is known to bring his pals along to the games, cheering on the Knicks front row alongside other famous faces. Getty Images
The one and only Martha Stewart (pictured here in May 2026) has also made several appearances inside the Garden. Getty Images
While Chalamet has cheered on the Knicks solo plenty of times, he seemed to have extra fun when he brought Jenner as his date for a NBA Playoffs game at MSG last month. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
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