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“We don’t want smoke with Swifties”, “It’s that serious?” – NBA Fans Stunned As Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Tyler Kolek’s ‘Fake Fan’ Jab

NBA fans were stunned online after the New York Knicks released a statement defending singer-songwriter Taylor Swift following Tyler Kolek's comments.

By Reign Amurao · Sportskeeda

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 10:10 PM

Key Things to Know

The New York Knicks defended Taylor Swift after Tyler Kolek questioned her authenticity as a fan.
Kolek claimed celebrity attendance at games, specifically naming Swift, often appeared performative.
The Knicks released a statement expressing appreciation for Swift's longtime support of the franchise.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The New York Knicks issued a formal statement defending pop star Taylor Swift after guard Tyler Kolek questioned her fandom. Kolek suggested in a video with Miles McBride that Swift's attendance at games appeared performative, labeling her as not necessarily a genuine fan. The franchise quickly countered his comments, stating that Swift has been a dedicated supporter of the team and Madison Square Garden for many years.

Fans online reacted with surprise and humor to the organization defending Swift over its own player, joking about potential repercussions for Kolek. Additionally, superfan Ben Stiller gave a shoutout to Dalton Knecht following his debut in a 135-105 win over the Chicago Bulls, with Stiller also working on an upcoming Knicks documentary.

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