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The Swifties are out to defend their leader.
Taylor Swift’s mega following had her back on Friday after the Knicks’ Tyler Kolek called out the 14-time Grammy Award winner for being the “fakest” celebrity fan of the newly crowned champions.
Many were quick to remind the backup guard of his playing time during the NBA Finals, or lack thereof.
“Tyler Kolek and Taylor Swift played the same amount of minutes in the 2026 NBA Finals,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said: “Tyler Kolek wishes he could’ve performed for the Knicks in the finals.”
Kolek averaged 6.6 minutes per game across eight games played during the playoffs. He didn’t see any time in the five games against the Spurs in the Finals.
A third added: “If there’s one thing Taylor and tyler have in common is that they were both sitting court side during the finals.”
Swift was spotted at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland alongside her Ohio-born husband Travis Kelce, much to the dismay of Knicks fans.
She was later seen at Game 4 of the NBA Finals and witnessed OG Anunoby’s historic tip-in alongside Knicks fan favorite Mariska Hargitay and Haim sisters Alana and Este. Swift wore a blue shirt that read “Stevie Knicks” in orange letters.
Another fan admitted Kolek’s favor is over among Swift fans and the universe.
“Well, there it is. Tyler Kolek just rang his Karma bell. No one can save him now.”
A few fans started to add old photos of the pop star wearing Knicks gear.
A Knicks spokesperson released a statement in defense of Swift’s fandom.
“Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” the statement read.
When asked the question during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream on Thursday, Kolek said, “At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative because they just want to be seen at the game. They’re not necessarily fans.”
“Maybe Taylor Swift? I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,” he added. “I guess she has a lot going on so she can’t come all the time. But it’s a little performative.”
Others sided with Kolek on Friday.
“Lmao Kolek be knowing. She be rooting for the Knicks but she’s not a diehard. She isn’t Anne Hathaway,” one fan said.
Another reminded Swifties of Kolek’s heroics on Christmas last year.
Kolek is averaging 12.2 minutes on the court this season with an average of 2.5 points on 29 percent shooting.
