Spike Lee riles up controversy after cheering for Knicks’ rival in playoffs
What could be wrong with the Nets losing Game 3 of the playoffs against the Celtics this past weekend? To a New York Knicks fan, nothing. That is, except for the fact that Spike Lee was sitting courtside rooting for Brooklyn.
Lee was born in Atlanta in 1957 but moved to Brooklyn at a young age. It wasn’t until 1967 that the New Jersey Nets had their inaugural NBA season, so when Lee was growing up the organization didn’t call Brooklyn home (that didn’t happen until 2012).
The 65-year-old is a courtside fixture not only at Madison Square Garden but also at Knicks road games. If New York would’ve made it to the playoffs, no doubt Lee would’ve been at every game, but instead he took in the sights at Barclays Center on Saturday night.
After dropping the first two games against the Celtics, the Nets were back in Brooklyn for Game 3. In a crucial contest for the Nets, Lee was cheering for the team to pull out a win over Boston, which ultimately didn’t happen.
Spike Lee legit rooting for the Nets, tonight 🤣💯 pic.twitter.com/R7s3ktFHVd
— Michael Grady (@Grady) April 24, 2022
New York Knicks fan Spike Lee was spotted courtside cheering for the Nets.
Lee was donned in a No. 42 Jackie Robinson jersey and a Brooklyn Dodgers cap. It wasn’t unusual that he was sitting courtside for a playoff basketball game, but what was unusual was seeing him actively root for Brooklyn.
He’s the face of the fanbase for the Knicks and Lee cheering for the Nets has caused many New York fans to question his loyalty. Many proclaimed that he isn’t the most famous fan, but that Ben Stiller is instead.
I’m excited and hopeful for next year’s team. It’s nice to see the vibe on the bench with Thibs. Moves will happen and need to happen but there are exciting pieces here. #LetsGoKnicks
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 11, 2022
On the other hand, although Lee was undoubtedly at Barclays Center as a fan of Brooklyn, he wasn’t shown on the jumbotron. So while he was cheering for the Nets, he was ignored.
Still can’t get over this. Would have been a great way for the franchise to atone for not celebrating Jackie Robinson Day at all, as well. What a shame. Showed a couple B-list actors over Spike Lee. https://t.co/pZf3wr9fAR
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) April 24, 2022
It might be tough for Knicks fans to outright cheer for the Celtics, but it’s acceptable to be in favor of Boston to win the series. Brooklyn’s in the middle of a catastrophic meltdown, and while that may disappoint some New York City residents, others love it.
Nonetheless, even with Lee’s presence last Saturday night, the Nets are one game away from being swept by Jayson Tatum and company. That’s an outcome that all Knicks fans should be happy to root for and it could come true on Monday night.
The 2022-23 season is months away, but it’ll be interesting to see how fans react to Lee at Madison Square Garden. He hasn’t always been treated fairly at MSG in the past, but fans won’t forget about him cheering for New York’s crosstown rival.
