Timothée Chalamet Says Knicks’ Long-Awaited NBA Title Means More Than an Oscar Win

After the Knicks captured their first NBA title in 53 years, Timothée Chalamet said the championship means more to him than the fabled Oscars.

Timothée Chalamet Says Knicks’ Long-Awaited NBA Title Means More Than an Oscar Win

Timothee Chalamet (Image: IMDB)

Timothée Chalamet celebrated on the court after the New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years, saying the historic victory meant more to him than an Academy Award.

As fans know, the actor attended Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, where the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to win the best-of-seven series and secure the franchise’s first title since 1973.

Moments after the final buzzer, Chalamet joined the celebrations and shared his reaction in a video obtained by ESPN’s SportsCenter account on X. “Way rather this than the Oscars,” Chalamet said.

The Oscar nominee was among several notable Knicks supporters in attendance for the championship clincher, including Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Sydney Sweeney, and Tracy Morgan. The victory ended a 53-year championship drought for New York and brought the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy back to the city for the first time since 1973.

Knicks captain Jalen Brunson led the way in the deciding game, scoring 45 points and earning NBA Finals MVP honors. Speaking after the victory, Brunson reflected on the achievement with tears in his eyes. He said, “I have no words. It’s everything I ever dreamed of.”

Brunson also spoke about the team’s resilience throughout its playoff run. “I’m in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it.”

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Timothee Chalamet followed the Knicks throughout their playoff run

Timothee Chalamet was a regular presence during New York’s postseason journey and attended multiple playoff games as the team advanced to the championship.

Just days before the title-clinching victory, he sat courtside with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at Madison Square Garden on June 10 as the Knicks rallied for a 107-106 win over the Spurs in Game 4 of the Finals.

Timothee Chalamet
Timothee Chalamet (Image: Firstsportz)

Following the championship victory in San Antonio, videos shared by ESPN on Instagram showed Chalamet celebrating with players inside the Knicks locker room.

The actor has received three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor during his career. His most recent nomination came in 2026 for his performance in Marty Supreme. Earlier this year, Michael B. Jordan won the Oscar for Best Actor for his dual role in Sinners.

With the Game 5 victory, the Knicks closed out the Finals in five games and completed a championship run that delivered the franchise’s first NBA title in more than five decades.

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