Big Knicks Fans Share Their Love and Superstitions

The New York Knicks have captured the hearts of many celebrities, who now reveal how they keep faith in their team. Some are superstitious about game days; others have personal moments that define their fandom.

Tracy Morgan

• Moment: Game 1 playoff clash against Cleveland – a “fire” moment that still feels electric.
• Belief: Knicks can beat any West Coast team; optimism after an Indiana loss.
• Future: Looks forward to next season with hope.

Michael Imperioli

• Origin: Fell in love as a kid from the nosebleeds.
• High‑profile interactions: Met stars, flew on team plane to recruit Grant Hill.
• Perk: MSG family experience; courtside with dad.

Emmy Rossum

• Roots: Grew up in the city, never lost devotion.
• Icons: John Starks (90s), Jalen Brunson (calm leadership).
• Superstition: Too superstitious to predict outcomes.

Matthew Modine

• Background: Moved to NYC in the 1970s, fell for every local team.
• Favorite memory: Larry Johnson’s four‑point play, 1999.
• Current heroes: Josh Hart (energy), Jalen Brunson (leadership).

Michael Rapaport

• Perspective: Lifelong Upper East Side fan.
• Favorite player: Charles Oakley (New York grit).
• Hope: No championship yet, but keeps watching quietly at home.

Director Benny Safdie

• Thought: Being a New Yorker naturally turns one into a Knicks fan.
• Emotion: Heartbreak on losses, faith that it could be their year.

Josh Safdie

• Experience: Courtside tickets in 2012, witnessed Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity.”
• Emotion: Joy of the game, hugging teammates, yelling in car post‑victory.

Susie Essman

• Origin: Became a fan in 1971 during high school, loved the ’73 championship.
• Favorite: Walt Frazier’s cool vibe.
• Hope: Current squad plays together; hopes for a win in six years.

Chris Distefano

• Roots: Queens native, first game at age nine.
• Loyalty: Stayed through tough years, now supports Jalen Brunson.
• Humor: Mixes faith with jokes about future arrests for streaking.

Steve Schrippa

• Background: Played at the Garden in college, now watches games as a celebrity.
• Perks: Sitting next to legendary players; believes Brunson will have his jersey in the rafters.

Sam Morril

• Origin: Fell for ’90s Knicks, heartbreak when Patrick Ewing missed a crucial play.
• Current: Loves the current team, keeps winning spirit alive with a Knicks candle.
• Conviction: Convinced they’re ready to win.

These stories show that even stars can be devoted fans, keeping traditions alive while hoping the Knicks bring home a championship.