A-List Reactions to Knicks NBA Finals Win Will Leave You Shocked

At long last, the New York Knicks have been crowned as NBA Champions.

In a remarkable 94–90 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks clinched their first title win since 1973, ending a 53-year drought and bringing joy to millions across the city. Among those passionate fans — yelling at the top of their lungs, sprinting around in circles and bowing at the feet of team MVP Jalen Brunson — are quite a few stars, who were either courtside when it went down or cheering the team on from afar.

So how did those celebs celebrate the historic moment for the Knicks? Let's just say there was plenty of variety, but nobody lacked the passion.

Spike Lee parades through NYC

Spike Lee, who's been a fixture at Madison Square Garden across four decades, was right where you'd expect when the Knicks cemented their championship win: courtside in orange and blue. The Do The Right Thing director was then quick to join the players on the court, celebrating the historic victory. And afterwards? Lee referenced She's Gotta Have It by leaving a voicemail for his close, personal friend… basketball legend Michael Jordan. "We haven’t talked in a minute," Lee said into the phone. "The New York Knicks are world champions. Call me back! Orange and blue skies! Wassup, Mike?"

Timothée Chalamet disses the Oscars and bathes in champagne

Timothée Chalamet, another born-and-bred New Yorker, was also courtside for the momentous game. Once the game reached its end, he was among those who flooded the court to celebrate, hugging Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and proclaiming to ESPN’s SportsCenter that he's "way rather this [win] than the Oscars." The Academy Awards shade comes months after Chalamet lost best actor at the Hollywood award show, his second loss in the row.

The Marty Supreme star didn't stop the party there; he was later seen celebrating in the locker room alongside team captain and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. "You did that bro," he told Brunson as the two embraced. "That was all you!"

Additional footage saw Chalamet getting soaked in champagne as onlookers referenced his Dune role, declaring him "Lisan al-Gahib."

Ben Stiller sprints into director mode

Ben Stiller, famously a Knicks diehard, took off as soon as the whistle blow sounded, stepping out onto the court to celebrate with the players and fellow fans. At the same time, the Severance director and executive producer couldn't help but capture some footage of his own, running around with his phone camera out so he could memorialize the big win.

Speaking to ESPN later in the night, Stiller declared that he was "as happy as I've ever felt."

Cardi B screams

Not every fan could be courtside for the championship game. Cardi B watched the Knicks win on a tiny phone screen in her basement, but celebrated loud enough for the whole world to hear. In an Instagram Live video, the "Bodak Yellow" singer documented her elation, which saw her run excitedly through her house screaming, "Oh my God!" and "We won!"

By the end, Cardi decided that staying in wouldn't suffice for her the grand occasion, telling followers, "We outside right now… The streets are calling me."

Christopher Meloni takes to the streets

Speaking of taking to the streets, Law & Order: SVU alum Christopher Meloni celebrated the win with his fellow New Yorkers: hugging, high-fiving, and hollering in the streets.

"Knicks and Jalen Brunson, it's 'cause of you," Meloni said in an Instagram video, showing off a crowd of fans cheering and dancing over the title win. "Congratulations. Go Knicks!"

He captioned the post, "GO KNICKS GO NYC."

Mariska Hargitay celebrates a legend

Meloni's longtime SVU costar Mariska Hargitay couldn't be in attendance at the away game (since it wasn't within sprinting distance of her Broadway show), but you can bet she took time to celebrate the win on social media. In a series of posts, Hargitay gave Brunson his flowers, resharing several videos of performance in the game and penning a brief post, paying tribute to his talents.

"And you lead the way for so many. Congratulations to you all and deepest thanks," Hargitay wrote, tagging Brunson and the team on Instagram. In a second post, she celebrated Brunson even more directly, writing, "Thank you @jalenbrunson1 for taking us there."

Jennifer Lopez

Jenny From the Block has not forgotten her roots: Jennifer Lopez also paid tribute to her hometown team on social media, sharing footage of the moment she watched them secure their victory. The footage sees J Lo scream at the top of her lungs when the win is finalized, getting emotional as she screams, "YES! Oh my god!"

She captioned the post, "Congratulations to the New York Knickerbockers, NBA Champions!!!!! I remember the last time the Knicks were making a run for the championship and rushing home every game day from the set to watch Ewing, Starks and Oakley make a hell of a run. We have all been waiting patiently Thank you for uniting our city again…for uniting the world."

She added, "You restored faith, hope and belief in that there’s nothing we can’t do!! Hard work, goodness and teamwork pays off! You set the city on fire!! Proud to be from the block!! You already know. Knicks forever."

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.

Pistola Kinsley Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Spanx SpanxSculpt ReDefine Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)

Gap High-Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Mother The Weekender Jeans

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller.

Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.