Prince Harry made an unexpected appearance at the NBA Finals on Saturday, sitting beside JP Lane, a former U.S. Army sergeant who lost both legs in an Afghan explosion a decade ago. The two were seen chatting courtside as the New York Knicks faced off against the opposing team, a moment that quickly drew the eyes of a crowd packed with celebrities and basketball aficionados.
A Royal Guest at the Garden
The Knicks secured a historic victory, snapping a 50‑year championship drought that had lingered since the franchise’s last title. The win was underscored by soaring ticket prices, with the average resale cost hovering around $7,000 and a pair of courtside seats for the decisive game three fetching $1 million apiece at auction.
Among the high‑profile spectators were actors Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee, while pop star Taylor Swift made a rare courtside appearance. ESPN analyst Monica McNutt was later captured on camera calling out singer Taylor Swift for a perceived lack of genuine Knicks fandom, a remark that sparked a wave of online commentary. Critics, dubbing the attendees ‘fake fans,’ questioned the motives of those more interested in the spectacle than the sport.
When the final buzzer sounded, the streets of New York erupted in celebration. Revelers flooded Times Square, prompting a visible police presence to manage the crowds. City officials have already announced plans for a parade to honor the champions, promising a citywide celebration that will likely extend into the weekend.