The NBA playoffs have brought out the stars, with A-list celebrities packing the front-row seats at Madison Square Garden to cheer on the New York Knicks. Taylor Swift, Ben Stiller, and Mariska Hargitay were among those spotted at the game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Celebrity Row

The coveted courtside seats are not just for anyone, however. According to Joe Favorito, who led communications for the NYC team from 2001 to 2008, agencies, media companies, and brands control and distribute tickets to A-listers behind the scenes. Some celebrities, like Dustin Hoffman and director Spike Lee, even own their own courtside seats.

For those who don’t own their seats, there’s an understanding of a quid pro quo for getting tickets. Celebrities are unofficially expected to make a charity event contribution or show Knicks pride on the jumbotron during the game. Loyalty can also get you to the top of the celebrity list, according to Favorito.

Taylor Swift, who attended the game with friends Alana and Este Haim, sparked discussion about whether she’s actually a Knicks fan. While she’s known for attending Kansas City Chiefs games to cheer on fiancé Travis Kelce, she has attended Knicks games in the past.

Other celebrities, like Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet, have become regulars at Knicks games. Stiller has attended most major Knicks home games at Madison Square Garden and often travels to cheer the team on from the road. Chalamet, who was raised in Manhattan, has become a symbol of the excitement surrounding the franchise’s resurgence.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.