Dave Portnoy has come to Taylor Swift’s defense after her appearance at Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday (June 10) sparked criticism from one commentator.
Swift was among the high-profile names at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks pulled off a dramatic comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4. The singer watched from courtside in New York as a packed celebrity row turned the Finals matchup into one of the most star-studded nights of the series.
For the outing, the ‘Blank Space’ star wore a graphic tee reading ‘Stevie Knicks’, though her presence still drew attention from the broadcast team.
“Is that Taylor Swift down there?”
One commentator could be heard asking, before analyst Monica McNutt weighed in on seeing the pop star in the crowd.
“That’s her down there! With the long ponytail in the blue. She’s not even a Knicks fan, get out of here girl!”
The remark was widely shared online after the hot mic moment circulated on social media, with many fans debating whether celebrity support in the playoffs should be treated any differently from the usual parade of famous faces at Madison Square Garden.
Portnoy, the Barstool Sports founder and a committed Boston Celtics supporter, later responded on X after Swift faced criticism online over attending the game.
“Damn. Hate to see @McNuttMonica hating on Taylor Swift. Lots of new faces in the crowd. Don’t see her singling them out. Knicks are falling apart at the seams.”
He also expanded on the point with more social media posts, arguing that plenty of celebrity attendees at Knicks games may not be especially loyal to the team.
“Honest question. What percentage of Knicks celebrity fans would also show up in Laker gear for Laker celebrity row if the Lakers were in the Finals?”
He then added:
“I think it’s over 50%.”
Swift showing up at major sporting events is hardly unusual, especially since her relationship with Kelce began. In recent months, the pair have continued to draw attention whenever they appear together at high-profile games, and her attendance at the Finals only added to the conversation around how often major entertainment figures become part of the sports spectacle.
Not long ago, she and the NFL star were seen at a Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Knicks, which prompted frustration from some New York fans who felt she had changed allegiances.
Kelce later addressed that appearance during an episode of his New Heights podcast, saying the evening was simply about spending time together and enjoying a game.
“This was me just having a fun date night knowing that I love going to basketball games. We actually tried to go to a game in New York, but I was stuck in Kansas City. I love bringing her into the sports world that I appreciate.”
Madison Square Garden has become a regular magnet for celebrity attendance throughout the Knicks’ postseason run, with actors, comedians and former athletes all appearing courtside during the Finals. Swift’s appearance therefore stood out less because she was the only big name in the building and more because any mention of her tends to generate an immediate reaction online.
With wedding speculation continuing around the couple, there has been renewed tabloid chatter in recent days about Swift and Kelce’s plans, although neither of them has publicly confirmed any date. For now, their latest NBA appearance has generated more headlines than any official update about their future together.