The New Front Row Is Courtside: Inside the Fashion Phenomenon at Knicks Playoff Games
From Chrome Hearts tracksuits to custom orange leather, New York Knicks playoff games have become the most exclusive runway — no invites required. Here's everything you need to know! Plus, the most trend-forward Knicks styles to shop.
Forget Paris, Milan, and even the Met Gala — this season’s most buzzed-about fashion show is happening in the heart of Manhattan. As the New York Knicks stormed through the NBA playoffs, Madison Square Garden’s Celebrity Row turned into a veritable front row of style, with A-listers showing up not just to watch the game, but to make a statement.
Courtside seats at MSG have long been hallowed ground for New Yorkers, but this playoff season, they became a spectacle of their own. Spike Lee, a Knicks superfan for over 30 years, remained the soul of Celebrity Row in his signature orange-and-blue fits. But newer faces — and fashion forces — like Kylie Jenner, joined alongside her boyfriend and native New Yorker Timothée Chalamet, and NBA girlfriend Jordyn Woods elevated the courtside aesthetic into full-blown street style moments.
Timothée & Kylie: Courtside’s Couture Couple
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner attend Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
US socialite Kylie Jenner (L) takes a picture of her boyfriend US-French actor Timothee Chalamet (R) during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden in New York on May 29, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet attend Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Actor Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner sit court-side during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Chalamet, who attended multiple games during the Eastern Conference Finals, went viral for his bold style. At one game, he wore a custom Chrome Hearts velour tracksuit in Knicks colors, effortlessly blending luxury with fandom. His courtside companion Kylie Jenner always matches the moment, wearing the likes of orange leather cropped jackets that nod to the team’s color palette and retro Knicks windbreakers. Fashion publications were quick to spotlight their couple-coordinated courtside fashion, dubbing them the “ultimate Knicks duo.”
Star Power on Display: Knicks celebrity courtside fashion
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Singer Ciara arrives during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Bad Bunny, center, and Timothée Chalamet, right, look on in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: (L-R) NFL Player Stefon Diggs and rapper Cardi B sits court-side during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 29: Miles Teller looks on as Timothee Chalamet and Spike Lee high five during the first quarter between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 29, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Elsie Hewitt and Pete Davidson are seen as the Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Kendall Jenner celebrates after the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Rapper Busta Rhymes sits court-side during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller attend Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: Dave Chappelle attends Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Actors Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet react court-side during the second quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: New York Giant quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Actor Timothee Chalamet and director Spike Lee celebrate after the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsewhere on Celebrity Row, Ben Stiller, Ciara, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and Busta Rhymes also made appearances, lending star power to the already electric atmosphere at MSG. But it wasn’t just who showed up — it was how they showed up. Designer sneakers, archival varsity jackets, luxury tracksuits, and statement bags turned the Garden into a street style hotspot, reminiscent of the off-duty looks captured outside fashion week shows.
Fashion Week Energy — Without the Invitations
Photo Credit: @jordynwoods/Instagram
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates with Jordyn Woods after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Jordyn Woods, who was there supporting her boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns, shared her looks with fans via social media and was photographed alongside Jenner and Chalamet. Her fits — flawless, polished, and sporty-chic — were some of the most reposted of the postseason. And it wasn’t only about the style. The celebrity presence symbolized something deeper: the cultural capital of the Knicks’ resurgence, and the allure of being seen at MSG.
Behind the Scenes of Celebrity Row
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 27: Spike Lee looks on prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Behind the scenes, the guest list is meticulously managed. According to New York Magazine, MSG owner James Dolan oversees Celebrity Row placements personally, working with celebrity reps to coordinate appearances that will maximize buzz. Some celebs are gifted seats, while others — like Spike Lee — choose to buy theirs outright, preserving their authenticity amid the glamor. It’s part PR machine, part cultural phenomenon.
Where Sports and Style Collide
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks through the tunnel as he leaves the stadium after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
This intersection of sports and fashion isn’t new — we’ve seen it with tunnel ‘fits in the NBA and NFL, and fashion collabs with brands like Louis Vuitton and Nike — but the Knicks’ playoff moment crystallized it. When a basketball game generates the same fashion discourse as a couture runway, you know something’s shifted.
In a season where New York reclaimed its place at the center of basketball culture, it also reminded the world of its power as a style capital. And if this postseason proved anything, it’s that in 2025, the new front row isn’t at a fashion house’s headquarters — it’s right there at Madison Square Garden, behind the baseline.
