The stars descended on Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks take on the Miami Heat in a do-or-die Game 5 clash — and New York did not disappoint.
The famed arena was once again filled with the best of Hollywood as they used the field as their own red carpet to see the Knicks avoid playoff elimination.
New York put on a show worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster as the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Chris Rock and tennis legend John McEnroe were treated to Jalen Brunson’s brutal 38-point performance.
Seven-time Grand Slam winner McEnroe traded the court for the stands when the former tennis star was spotted arriving at The Garden in a yellow and white Knicks cap.
Growing up in New York as a Knicks fan, McEnroe even decorated the inside cover of his 2017 book “But Seriously” with tickets from games at the arena, including a past playoff clash.
The Knicks and Jalen Brunson (Center) put on a show for an A-List crowd on Wednesday
Tennis legend and Knicks fan John McEnroe led the stars to Madison Square Garden
Model Emily Ratajkowski was also seen on court watching the Knicks beat the Miami Heat
The controversial but beloved athlete has been at the front of the action for previous playoff showdowns this season, attending Game 3 of the Knicks’ opening series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He’s also seen some West Coast action, watching the LA Lakers, owned by friend Jeannie Buss, whom he befriended while training in Los Angeles in the early to mid-1980s, earn their spot in the playoffs with a play-in win. the Minnesota Timberwolves.
McEnroe will have been happy to have seen his Knicks keep their season alive and hold the threat of elimination – for now – thanks to Brunson’s stunning and likely exhausting performance.
Brunson scored 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while playing all 48 minutes in a season-extending performance, leading New York to a crucial victory.
Other familiar faces were also present at Madison Square Garden, with comedian Chris Rock returning for Game 5.
The actor, 58, had cheered on the Knicks in Game 3 with friends Dave Chapelle and Tracy Morgan, along with actress Jessica Alba.
On Wednesday, he sat next to singer Ciara and her son Future Zahir, whom she shares with ex-fiancée, rapper Future.
The singer, who may be more familiar with the NFL than the NBA due to her marriage to Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, smiled and waved to the cameras as she soaked up the spotlight on the court.
McEnroe grew up in New York as a Knicks fan and has been featured at previous playoff games
Comedian Chris Rock was another familiar face returning to MSG for Game 5 of the series
Singer Ciara (left) and son Future Zahir (right) smiled and waved to the cameras
The singer opted for a white Mamba No. 2 jersey, in honor of the later Kobe Bryant
The 37-year-old opted not to represent the Knicks with her outfit choice, instead donning a white Mamba No. 2 jersey, the sports academy that late Lakers star Kobe Bryant launched in 2018 and the team for which his daughter Gigi starred before their tragic death in 2020.
Emily Ratajkowski headed to New York and showed her support in a Knicks’ bomber jacket in the team’s iconic bold blue and orange colors.
The model also wore a T-shirt featuring a photo of actress Megan Fox from her 2009 horror comedy Jennifer’s Body with low-cut baggy jeans that showed off her tight midriff.
In the arena, the 31-year-old judge sat on the right side, enjoying the action with good friend and talk show host Ziwe.
New Jersey natives the Jonas Brothers, Kevin, Joe and Nick rocked out at Madison Square Garden ahead of their concerts at another iconic New York sporting venue, Yankee Stadium, in August.
Michael J. Fox, 61, was joined by wife Tracy Pollan, 62, as they sat at court alongside Ciara and her eight-year-old son.
The actor – who recently opened up about the pain of living with Parkinson’s disease – sported a casual cool look, wearing a black tee, jeans and a matching jacket, while his wife looked chic in a short-sleeved top and geometric print.
Meanwhile, Stranger Things actor David Harbor spent time with his stepdaughter, daughter of wife Lily Allen, Marnie, who sported shockingly blue hair for the NBA game.
Ratajkowski enjoyed the action with good friend and talk show host Ziwe (left)
The 31-year-old showed her support in a Knicks bomber jacket in the team’s iconic colors
New Jersey residents the Jonas Brothers rocked out on MSG ahead of their Yankee Stadium shows
Stranger Things actor David Harbor spent time with his stepdaughter Marnie (left)
Michael J. Fox (center) was joined by wife Tracy Pollan (left) as they sat at court
Traded on-screen drama for on-field thriller, the A-Listers were treated to a show as the Knicks hit all the right plot points.
Denying the Heat’s first attempt at becoming just the second No. 8 seed to reach the conference finals, the Knicks sent the series back to Miami for Game 6 on Friday night.
RJ Barrett added 26 points and Julius Randle had 24 for the fifth-seeded Knicks, who stayed alive in hopes of reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2000.
They did so by getting past the Heat in seven games in the second round, a possibility that still exists.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler had 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for Miami, keeping him under 25 points for the first time this postseason.
But the Knicks’ hard work doesn’t stop there. They face another deadly confrontation, this time on enemy territory.
Still trailing 2-3, New York must make another spectacular save on Friday to prevent the Heat from stealing the series and will have to do without its army of celebrity supporters.