Ben Stiller found himself in the hot seat among basketball fans after choosing fashion’s biggest night over his beloved basketball team, as reported by Page Six.

The long-time New York Knicks supporter was criticized online for opting to attend the Met Gala 2026 instead of watching the team’s playoff game on Monday.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was quick to join the social media discussion.

“If Ben Stiller picked the Met Gala over Game 1 of the Knicks game, he may have to turn in his man card,” Portnoy wrote via X on Monday night.

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Sports Illustrated writer Jimmy Traina also shared his thoughts, asking if Stiller would have done the same thing during a decisive moment.

“Here’s what I need to know. Would Ben Stiller blow off tonight’s Knicks game for the Met Gala if it was Game 7 and not Game 1. Please answer @BenStiller. This is important. Thank you,” he tweeted.

While some fans questioned Stiller’s priorities, the actor acknowledged the unexpected conflict while on the red carpet. “Right now I wish I was in Madison Square Garden,” Stiller told USA Today. “But it’s beautiful to be here, too.”

@nbcsports The Met Gala won't stop Ben Stiller from supporting his Knicks. #nba #nbaplayoffs #metgala #knicks ♬ original sound - NBC Sports

Despite missing the game, Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, still celebrated their home team through their fashion choices. The actor wore a black suit paired with an orange tie, and Taylor shimmered in a royal blue gown by Bibhu Mohapatra.

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“We are representing for the Knicks. We are wearing our Knicks colors,” Taylor explained during a Vogue interview as the pair made their way into the event.

Stiller echoed her sentiment, saying that while he would rather have been at the arena, there was still plenty to appreciate.

“If you can’t be at Madison Square Garden watching the Knicks … this is a great second choice,” he said.

“This is an incredible event supporting the Costume Institute and the arts in New York. And we’ve been here a couple of times.”

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Even on the red carpet, Stiller showed his fandom. Observers spotted the “Meet the Fockers” star mouthing “Knicks in six” while posing for photos.

Meanwhile, the online coverage encouraged fans to experience the event through thrill-seekers’ eyes, promoting Page Six’s social media offerings and highlighting Met Gala moments captured with Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

Although Stiller missed the team’s big win, another celebrity Knicks diehard made a different choice. Fellow fan Timothée Chalamet attended the game in person rather than the Gala, letting his girlfriend Kylie Jenner walk the carpet solo.

The “Dune” actor posted a short Instagram Story from his courtside seat showing his excitement as the Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 137 to 98.

One viewer on X summed up the fan sentiment: “Gotta respect Timothée Chalamet skipping the Met Gala to watch the Knicks.”

Stiller and Chalamet have been seen at Madison Square Garden together before. The duo previously attended Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to cheer for the Knicks against the Indiana Pacers.

While Stiller’s Met Gala appearance caused plenty of online teasing, his enthusiasm for the team was clear throughout the night.

His acknowledgment of both worlds—New York sports and high fashion—made for one of the event’s most talked-about moments.

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At the same time, the sharp contrast between Stiller’s gala night and Chalamet’s courtside presence gave fans two different definitions of dedication to the Knicks.

The night ended with Stiller’s good-humored admission and the team’s resounding win, keeping both basketball and fashion fans entertained in very different ways.

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