Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter turned down a meet-and-greet with New York Knicks players, in a way. The question picked up steam after a wild night in New York that mixed playoff basketball with Met Gala glamour.
Knicks Players Left Outside Exclusive After-Party
Hours after a dominant Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, some Knicks players tried their luck at one of the most exclusive after-parties in the city. What followed felt almost surreal. A team fresh off a historic 137-98 blowout found itself stuck outside a velvet rope. The contrast said everything about the night. On the court, the Knicks looked unstoppable. Off it, they could not open every door.
Several New York Knicks players reportedly attempted to join the Met Gala after-party. The after-party in question was hosted by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at Zero Bond, a venue known for its tight guest list and even tighter security. The event reportedly capped attendance at around 200 guests, well below its full capacity. But if your name was not on the list, there was no getting in.
High-Profile Names Also Turned Away
Sources told TMZ that several Knicks players arrived hoping to join the celebration but were turned away at the entrance. It was not personal. Plenty of high-profile names faced the same fate. Inside, the party leaned fully into its A-list energy, with guests like Katy Perry, Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Serena Williams making it inside. Others, including the Knicks players, had to pivot and find another stop for the night.
The scene reflected how tightly controlled these gatherings can be. Security locked down the surrounding block, and even well-known faces could not bend the rules. For a team riding high after three straight playoff wins by 25 points or more, it was a rare moment of rejection.
Ben Stiller Chooses Met Gala Over Game 1
While some players were left outside a party, one of the team’s most recognizable fans was drawing attention for a different reason. Ben Stiller chose to attend the Met Gala instead of Game 1, and the reaction online was swift. Critics questioned the decision, but Stiller did not shy away. “Bring it. I know who I am.” He still showed his loyalty in his own way, arriving in Knicks colors and predicting a six-game series win. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet took the opposite route. He skipped the Gala entirely and showed up courtside at Madison Square Garden, backing the team in person for the second straight postseason.
The Knicks rewarded that support with a performance that left little doubt. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 35 points, and the team shot at a blistering pace while forcing turnovers and controlling the game from start to finish.
