Spike Lee Shows Off Knicks Jersey Signed by Pope Leo XIV During NBA Finals Game 3
Spike Lee brought a unique blend of faith and fandom to NBA Finals Game 3, showcasing a custom Knicks jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV.
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Spike Lee (via Imago)
Spike Lee arrived at Madison Square Garden with a special piece of New York Knicks memorabilia on June 8, wearing a custom New York Knicks jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The filmmaker and longtime Knicks supporter revealed on Instagram before the game that he would wear the autographed blue jersey, which he received during a visit with the pontiff in November. The appearance came as New York hosted its first NBA Finals game since 1999.
For the unversed, Pope Leo XIV has a connection to several Knicks players through Villanova University. Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart are all Villanova alumni, as is the pope.
Lee has worn the signed jersey previously during New York’s playoff run, including Game 2 of the first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. Throughout the postseason, he has remained one of the team’s most visible supporters, regularly occupying his courtside seat at Madison Square Garden and traveling to road games.
Ahead of tipoff, Lee joined ESPN’s Inside the NBA pregame coverage and reflected on his decades-long relationship with the franchise. Speaking about how he became a season-ticket holder, Lee recalled securing his seats shortly after the Knicks won the 1985 draft lottery.
He said, “I got my season tickets the morning after Dave DeBusschere pulled out the — I don’t know if it was hold or cold envelope, I don’t know. And I jumped on the subway, and I slept on the line. So I’ve had season tickets since Patrick Ewing’s rookie year. But I didn’t start courtside.”
Lee also revealed that he could have sold his tickets for Game 3 for “half a million” dollars but chose to attend the game instead.
The Knicks entered the night looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. However, the San Antonio Spurs earned a 115-111 victory at Madison Square Garden, cutting New York’s NBA Finals lead to 2-1.
A look at the Celebrities who attended NBA finals Game 3
The first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years attracted a packed celebrity row, with several familiar faces in attendance for the matchup between the Knicks and Spurs. Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Fat Joe, and Spike Lee were among the regular Knicks supporters seated courtside. Tina Fey also attended the game wearing a Knicks jersey.
Other notable guests included DJ Khaled, Derek Jeter, Larry David, Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart and former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin.
Cardi B provided the night’s halftime entertainment, performing on the Madison Square Garden court during the break. President Donald Trump attended the game and was shown during the national anthem. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also expected to attend.
Despite the star-studded crowd and electric atmosphere, San Antonio spoiled the celebration with a 115-111 win, handing the Knicks their first loss of the series and sending the NBA Finals to Game 4 with New York leading 2-1.
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