Ben Stiller Skips Knicks Playoff Opener for Met Gala, Predicts Knicks in Six

Actor Ben Stiller skipped the New York Knicks' first playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday to attend the Met Gala with his wife, Christine Taylor.

Stiller wore a suit in Knicks colors and predicted the series outcome. "Knicks in six," he told reporters as he and Taylor arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

His choice split social media. Some fans questioned his loyalty to the Knicks, while others supported his decision to join his wife.

Spike Lee, another Knicks superfan, drew similar criticism last year for attending the Met Gala during the team's second-round series.

Stiller pushed back on social media. "Hi. My fandom didn’t start when twitter was invented. Tweets don’t equal fandom ask Spike," he wrote on X. "I’ve been a fan since 73. Lived in LA 92-2012.. my posting is not indicative of my commitment to the team. Ask Ron Baker. Or Lou Amundsen. Or Henry Bibby or Mike Glenn. Or Bernard King or Louis Orr or Spencer Haywood.. ( i don’t actually know them personally but I love the Knicks)."

Stiller followed the Knicks game, in which they beat the 76ers 137-98. "I guess i have to go to Met ball Wednesday," he added.