Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride Question Taylor Swift in NBA 2K Livestream
Taylor Swift’s courtside appearances at New York Knicks games drew sharp criticism from two players who accused the pop superstar of maintaining a “performative” fandom, The Guardian reported. Reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride made the remarks on Thursday during an NBA 2K livestream on TikTok. When asked to name the least authentic celebrity fan seen at games, Kolek singled out the singer.
“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative ’cause they just want to be seen at the game; they’re not necessarily fans,” Kolek said on the broadcast. “Maybe Taylor Swift. I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games.” McBride agreed with his teammate’s assessment, though he warned that supporters of the artist would likely object. Kolek acknowledged the looming backlash, stating, “I’m going to get some hate from the Swifties.” Both players offered praise for more consistent celebrity attendees, identifying actor Ben Stiller and comedian Tracy Morgan as reliable supporters of the franchise.
New York Knicks Front Office Issues Swift Defense
The New York organization moved swiftly on Friday to distance itself from the player comments, issuing a statement defending the Grammy winner’s long-standing connection to the franchise. A team spokesperson told TMZ Sports that Swift possesses a deep history with Madison Square Garden. “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 team stated.
While Kolek and McBride questioned the regularity of Swift’s attendance outside of deep playoff runs, the front office emphasized her historical ties to the venue. The 36-year-old singer first performed at the arena as a 13-year-old during a halftime talent contest in 2003.
Madison Square Garden History Predates Championship Run
In 2014, she sat in celebrity row and posed in a No. 13 Knicks jersey alongside players Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, according to TMZ and the New York Post. Additional appearances followed, when she was photographed wearing team merchandise alongside comedian Jimmy Fallon.
Q “Who’s the fakest celeb fan you’ve seen courtside?” Tyler Kolek “Maybe Taylor Swift?” Deuce McBride “I would agree…Swifties not gonna like that answer” Kolek “I’m gonna get some hate…I guess she’s got a lot going on…can’t come all the time…but it’s a little performative” pic.twitter.com/r7v4AJBK04
Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June, sitting courtside alongside actress Mariska Hargitay and musicians Alana and Este Haim as the Knicks secured a victory against the San Antonio Spurs. During that game, she wore a royal blue “Stevie Knicks” T-shirt with orange lettering that sparked viral attention and merchandise copycats. Earlier in the playoffs, she attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland alongside her husband, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The couple also married at Madison Square Garden in July, according to TMZ.
Organization Holds Team Option for Twenty-Six Season
The organization holds a $2.5m team option on Kolek for the 2026-27 season, leaving the young guards to handle their roles on the court while managing the fallout from casual digital commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor Swift and the New York Knicks
Did Taylor Swift attend games before the 2026 championship run?
Yes. Photographic evidence shows Swift attending games and wearing team merchandise at Madison Square Garden dating back to 2014, when she posed with Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.
What specific game did Taylor Swift attend during the NBA Finals?
Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June, where the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 after a dramatic late-game comeback.
Tyler Kolek calls out Taylor Swift for being a fake Knicks fan 😅 (h/t @TheNBABase ) pic.twitter.com/JY8JdVSRY1
How did the New York Knicks respond to the players’ comments?
The organization released a statement on Friday praising Swift for her long history with Madison Square Garden and expressing appreciation for her support of the team.
More on Madison Square Garden
Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride say Taylor Swift is the "fakest Knicks celebrity fan" 👀 The Knicks guards say Swift's attendance is "a little performative" (Via @nba2kleague) pic.twitter.com/EgqLt0PycB
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