Ben Stiller picks Knicks playoff over Met Gala in three-word swipe: ‘Great second choice’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor Ben Stiller made headlines at the 2026 Met Gala, not just for his red carpet appearance but for openly admitting where his attention really was. He attended the prestigious fashion event with his wife, Christine Taylor, even as a major NBA playoff game featuring the New York Knicks was underway at Madison Square Garden.

Despite the glamour of the evening, Stiller made it clear his heart was still with basketball. This year’s Met Gala theme, “Costume Art,” with the dress code “Fashion is Art,” focused on the relationship between clothing and the human form.

Ben Stiller jokes about Knicks playoff over Met Gala as he calls it 'great second choice'

Speaking to Vogue on the red carpet, Stiller leaned into his trademark humour while acknowledging the game he was missing. “If you can’t be at Madison Square Garden watching the Knicks win their first playoff game versus the 76ers, Knicks in 6, you just had to sneak that in there, right?” he said, referring to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, May 4.

He added, “This is a great place, this is a great second choice, you know.” The couple also subtly showcased their Knicks loyalty through coordinated outfits inspired by the team’s signature orange and blue palette, according to Express US.

Stiller wore a tailored navy suit with a bright orange tie, while Christine Taylor appeared in a cobalt-blue strapless gown with floral embroidery and sequin detailing. She completed the look with silver accessories, bangs, and a half-up hairstyle.

The appearance marked the couple’s first Met Gala outing since 2016, when the theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” On that occasion, both wore Valentino, with Stiller in a dark blue tuxedo and Taylor in a black floral dress.

This year’s dress code is tied to The Met’s spring 2026 exhibition, which opens on May 10 and runs through January 10, 2027. The exhibition will showcase fashion pieces alongside paintings, sculptures, and works spanning 5,000 years from The Met’s collection.

Ben Stiller responds to critics and reaffirms decades-long Knicks fandom

During the evening, Stiller still managed to make his prediction for the series clear. As he walked up the steps and responded to a crowd member mentioning the Knicks, he raised six fingers, signaling his pick for the Knicks to win the series in six games.

He also addressed criticism of his fandom on social media. Responding on X, Stiller said, “My fandom didn't start when twitter was invented,” adding that “tweets don't equal fandom.” He emphasized that he has supported the Knicks since 1973, arguing that online activity is not a measure of loyalty.

Earlier, during a previous playoff series, Stiller also responded to comments from Kelly Oubre Jr. about celebrity presence at Madison Square Garden, writing, “Oh I think I care a lot more than you think that you thought I cared. Kelly Who-bre?”

The night ultimately blended fashion and sport, with Stiller standing out for making his basketball loyalty as visible as his Met Gala appearance.