Knicks defend Taylor Swift after Tyler Kolek questions if she's a true fan
Taylor Swift cheers on the New York Knicks during the second quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday June 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in NY. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
This isn’t necessarily a “Love Story” between the Knicks and Taylor Swift, but the team came to her defense on Friday after her fandom was questioned.
In a clip posted by the NBA 2K League on Thursday, the question “who is the fakest celeb fan you’ve seen sitting courtside in an NBA game?” was posed to Knicks guards Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride. Kolek’s answer was “maybe Taylor Swift.” Online debate followed.
“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative because, like, they just want to be seen at the game. They’re not necessarily fans,” Kolek said. “Maybe Taylor Swift.”
McBride said he “would agree,” and Kolek responded that “I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games.”
McBride noted that the “Swifties are not going to like that answer,” and Kolek recognized that he “might get some hate from the Swifties.”
McBride said other celebrity Knicks fans are “usually solid” and mentioned Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan.
Kolek replied: “I guess she’s got a lot going on, so she can’t come all the time . . . it’s a little performative.”
Taylor Swift reacts during a game between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12, 2014. Credit: Jim McIsaac
A Knicks spokesperson released a statement Friday afternoon in support of Swift’s Knicks fandom.
“Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” the spokesperson said.
Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs at the Garden on June 10, an epic 107-106 win for the Knicks that featured a historic 29-point comeback and OG Anunoby’s iconic go-ahead tip-in with 1.2 seconds left.
Swift, 36, and Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce had their wedding at Madison Square Garden on July 3.
Actor Justin Long takes a photograph of model Kate Upton, actress Amanada Seyfried and singer Taylor Swift during a game between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 in New York City. Jim McIsaac Credit: Jim McIsaac
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
