Ben Stiller arrives at Knicks Game 2 after ditching Game 1 for Met Gala

May 7, 2026 - 01:15

Ben Stiller is back in the Garden!

Stiller went viral for ditching the New York Knicks’ Game 1 of the NBA Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers to attend the Met Gala. The actor, who is known for his Knicks fandom, got some backlash online for choosing to go to the annual fashion gala instead.

“Ben Stiller chose Met Gala over the Knicks vs Sixers?? hell must’ve froze over,” one fan wrote on X.

“Yeah you gotta drop him on the knicks fan power rankings. Met gala over playoffs?? Fake fan,” another fan argued.

“Seriously? That s–t over the Knicks’ series opener? You don’t deserve those seats anymore,” a fan reacted to the news.

One of Stiller’s biggest critics was Pat McAfee, who made note of Stiller’s absence on his eponymous show. The ESPN host praised Timothee Chalamet for going to Game 1. The Dune actor who is dating reality star Kylie Jenner attended the Met Gala solo.

Stiller reacted to McAfee calling him out on X, writing, “My man seriously…i thought we were good.”

While McAfee judged Stiller for not going he ensured that there is no bad blood between the two.

He wore an orange tie to the Met Gala as he still had the Knicks on his mind. When talking to La La Anthony he shared where he rather be.

“Well, you know, if you can’t be at Madison Square Garden watching the Knicks win their first playoff game vs. the 76ers—Knicks in six—this is a great second choice.”

While fans are still reeling over the fact that Stiller attended the Met Gala instead, he has officially made his return for Game 2.