Hollywood Glamour and High Tension Light Up Game 4 in Indianapolis
Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse isn’t exactly known for being a celebrity magnet, but Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers flipped the script. The stands glittered with star power—director Spike Lee, actor Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, and rapper 50 Cent were front and center, not quietly watching but very much a part of the drama swirling both on and off the court.
The rivalry between these teams always runs hot, but throw in a host of celebrities and suddenly it’s combustible. Local fans were quick to notice not just the number, but the sheer profile of New Yorkers rooting for the Knicks in Indiana's house. It didn’t sit quietly in the background, either.
Pat McAfee Rallies Pacers Fans, Sparks a Roar
The energy shifted from crackling to electric when Pat McAfee, former NFL punter and sports media personality, took the mic for a pregame pep talk. McAfee’s approach was anything but subtle. Mixing wrestling-style bravado with stand-up comedy, he didn’t just welcome fans—he led a full-on rally, encouraging every Pacers supporter in the building to unleash a chorus of boos on Knicks’ celebrity contingent. “Let’s send these sons of b------ back to New York with their ears ringing,” he called out, shaking up the atmosphere and putting the Knicks’ high-profile fans on full blast.
Watching from their courtside seats, Spike Lee—famed for never missing a critical Knicks moment—took the ribbing in stride, as did Ben Stiller, who’s as loyal to his team as they come. What really caught fans off guard was 50 Cent, a Queens-raised rapper who, at least for the night, appeared to be leaning towards the Pacers after showing up on the video board flashing signs of support for Indiana. The crowd rumbled with a mix of shock and delight at the apparent defection.
Pat McAfee’s antics hyped up Pacers fans even more, amplifying the home court advantage and making every Knicks’ trip down the floor feel especially hostile. The whole night blurred the line between sports and entertainment, with every timeout turning into a spectacle—celebrities on the jumbotron, fans baiting New Yorkers, and the whole arena echoing with jeers.
While celebrities may have stolen some of the headlines, the game itself delivered plenty of its own drama. Whenever the Knicks tried to close the gap, Indiana’s defense stood firm, and the Pacers’ shooters lit up their own stage with hot hands. The crowd channeled McAfee’s energy, making it tough for New York to settle into a rhythm. By the final buzzer, Indiana had locked down a crucial 130-121 win, grabbing a 3-1 series advantage and pushing the Knicks to the brink of elimination.
This wasn’t just another step in an old rivalry—it was a moment where pop culture, sports passion, and the postseason’s wild unpredictability all clashed under the bright lights. Now, with the Knicks on the ropes, the question isn’t just who will win Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, but who will show up next—and whether anybody can rattle the New York faithful on their own famous home turf.
