Ben Stiller criticizes Pat McAfee's predictable commentary during the Knicks game
Ben Stiller countered remarks made by sports broadcaster Pat McAfee during Game 4 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals. The encounter occurred at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on May 27, where Stiller joined fellow Knicks fans Timothée Chalamet and Spike Lee to support the New York team amidst the opposition's territory.
To begin the game, McAfee, a former ESPN personality and Indianapolis Colts player, decided to verbally confront the celebrities. Addressing the boisterous audience, McAfee focused on Stiller, Chalamet, and Lee, calling them out and urging the crowd to send them back to New York with the vulgar phrase, "Let's send these sons of guns back to New York!" The spectators synchronized with the boos.
After the Pacers claimed victory with a 130-121 score, thereby taking a 3-1 series lead, Stiller reacted on social media to McAfee's comments. He deemed the targeting behavior "weird," but emphasized that he, Chalamet, and Lee were content to cheer for their team and enjoy the game. Stiller also praised the Indiana fans, remarking them as "extremely cool." He ended his statement with "#KNICKSIN7," affirming his devotion to the Knicks.
Stiller offered a balanced response, acknowledging the camaraderie of fandom but expressing disapproval of McAfee's tactless approach. He stated that McAfee's behavior seemed "anachronic or cliche," implying a recurring trope of city celebrities should not enthusiastically support their teams in small-town surroundings. Stiller's post sparked reactions from fans, with one commenter confirming the boos were affectionate and Stiller agreeing with the sentiment.
Despite the Knicks' loss and McAfee's vulgar mention, Stiller showed no hard feelings. He expressed appreciation for the Indiana crowd, writing, "No bitterness at all, Indy fans were amazing. Good win for you guys."
In an attempt to salvage their NBA Finals aspirations, the Knicks must now win three consecutive games to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- User Ben Stiller, a renowned celebrity, supports the New York Knicks even in the opposition's territory, such as the Pacers' Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
- During Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, sports broadcaster Pat McAfee, a former ESPN personality known for his boisterous comments, directed vulgar remarks at Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, and Spike Lee, asking the audience to 'send these sons of guns back to New York!'
- After the Pacers' victory, Stiller responded to McAfee's comments on social media, labeling them as "weird" but acknowledging that the Indiana fans were "extremely cool."
- The incident prompted discussion among fans, with one commenter confirming that the boos were affectionate, and Stiller agreeing with the sentiment, showing no apparent hard feelings towards the Indiana crowd.
