After making a memorable appearance courtside earlier this month, Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee was back at Madison Square Garden on Monday night to catch the New York Knicks in action.
This time, her presence came after a cheeky suggestion from Knicks star Josh Hart, who joked that Lee and actress Anne Hathaway should attend every game to boost the team’s performance.
A Viral Moment That Took Off
Lee, who is just 22, caused a stir when she sat courtside during a Knicks game earlier in April.
A hilarious video circulated online suggesting that her and Hathaway’s presence was the secret to Knicks player OG Anunoby’s sudden surge in performance.
In the viral clip, fans joked that Anunoby played at a whole new level after spotting the two famous faces in the crowd.
Teammate Josh Hart, clearly amused by the clip, playfully threw out the idea that the team should bring Lee and Hathaway back to every game if it led to similar performances.
“We need Suni and Anne at every playoff game,” Hart joked, much to the delight of fans.
Suni Lee Takes Up the Invitation
Clearly taking Hart’s playful invitation seriously, Lee made her return to Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons.
Fans on social media were excited, with many predicting that Anunoby would continue his stellar play for the second half of the game.
One fan quipped, “OG about to drop 70 points in the second half,” while another confidently predicted, “OG’s second half gonna be legendary.” Others were simply wondering, “Is OG aware?”
The Knicks Playoff Run and the Influence of Celebrity Guests
Hart and his teammate Jalen Brunson had previously discussed the Knicks’ playoff hopes on the ‘Roommates Show,’ and in the process, they couldn’t help but laugh as they teased that Anunoby’s improved play could be linked to the star-studded guests courtside.
“We need Suni or Anne Hathaway at every game during this playoff run,” Hart said, clearly joking but also adding a fun dynamic to the team’s postseason narrative.
In an earlier game against the Phoenix Suns, Anunoby had put up 32 points in a win, and fans joked that his performance was partly inspired by seeing Lee and Hathaway sitting courtside. This moment led to the viral video, which gained traction across social media platforms.
Suni Lee’s Olympic Success and New York’s Star-Studded Crowd
For those who may not know, Suni Lee earned her second Olympic gold medal for Team USA in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Games, securing another prestigious victory in the team event.
This added to her earlier success in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she claimed an all-around gold.
With a total of six Olympic medals, Lee is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes.
However, Lee wasn’t the only famous face in the stands for the Knicks’ playoff game.
Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Paul Rudd were spotted in the crowd, as well as rap legends 50 Cent and Fat Joe.
Celebrity super-fan Ben Stiller, known for attending nearly every Knicks game, was also in attendance, alongside rock icon Sting, who joined him for the opener against Detroit.
The Growing Celebrity Presence at MSG
The star-studded presence continued as newly-signed New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, pop superstar Ciara, also took in the action at Madison Square Garden.
The couple was joined by their 11-year-old son, Future, who was seen enjoying the game with his parents.
As the Knicks’ playoff campaign continues, it seems Madison Square Garden will remain a hub for both basketball action and celebrity sightings alike.