Rihanna and Rocky turn a New York sidewalk into a makeshift basketball court to show their Knicks pride
Rocky calls himself a Knick and not just a fan, reflecting his deep bond with the team
Rihanna’s basketball fandom is well known, but this time she didn’t need courtside seats to be part of the story
You didn’t need a $10,000 ticket to Madison Square Garden to feel the energy of the New York Knicks’ historic NBA Finals match this week.
Source: Robert Kamau/Getty
While many celebrities turned to MSG for Game 4, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky found their own way to join in the celebration. The happy couple turned a New York City sidewalk into a makeshift basketball court to show their love for the NBA team.
A viral clip making the rounds on social media shows Rihanna taking photos on a Knicks-themed basketball hoop as a crowd of fans cheered her on with chants of “Let’s go RiRi!” Rocky stood nearby, grinning from ear to ear as he watched his old partner enjoy the moment.
The street basketball session came at the perfect time for Knicks fans. Just hours earlier, New York pulled off a stunning 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs after overcoming a 29-point deficit – the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.
For Rocky, this celebration was personal. The Harlem native has become one of the Knicks’ most visible supporters during their Finals run, and he recently made it clear that his connection to the team goes beyond basic fandom.
Speak with GQs Sasha Mutchnik after the Knicks took a 2-0 lead, Rocky explained exactly where his loyalties lie.
“I’m from New York, honey,” Rocky said. “I’m not a Knicks fan. I’m a Knick.”
That New York pride was on full display throughout the postseason. Last month, after the Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, Rocky brought the party to the streets of Harlem.
Outside Melba’s restaurant, he grabbed a basketball and joined fans for an impromptu pickup session as the Knicks “Crowntown Express” bus passed through the neighborhood. At one point, Rocky even channeled Knicks star Jalen Brunson, throwing alley-oop passes at fans who had joined the festivities.
As for Rihanna, fans of the singer already know that she is no stranger to basketball fandom.
The Grammy-winning superstar has made headlines at NBA games for years, often from some of the best seats in the house. She has been a regular presence on the field and has never been shy about showing support for her favorite players. One of her most memorable NBA moments came during the 2017 Finals, when cameras caught her animatedly reacting to the action as she cheered for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This time, however, Rihanna didn’t need a courtside seat to be part of the story.
Ironically, the couple wasn’t among the star-studded crowd at Madison Square Garden for Game 4. That line of celebrities included an impressive lineup that included Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Adam Sandler, Larry David, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Fat Joe, Mariska Hargitay and Michael J. Fox.
As the Knicks continue their dream finale, the excitement has spread far beyond Madison Square Garden. In New York, basketball fever is everywhere, and thanks to Rihanna and Rocky’s latest outing, even the neighborhood sidewalk can feel like the hottest spot in town.
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