Ben Stiller, the actor and comedian, has shared fond memories of his late father, Jerry Stiller, in light of the New York Knicks’ recent NBA Finals victory. Jerry, a beloved comedian and actor, passed away in 2020, and his love for the Knicks was well-known. During an interview on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Ben spoke about how his father would have revelled in the celebrations marking the team’s success, which saw them clinch their first championship in 53 years.
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The Knicks secured their historic win on June 13, 2026, defeating the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Ben attended the team’s celebratory parade on June 18, a moment that stirred memories of the many games he shared with his father at Madison Square Garden. Reflecting on their experiences, Ben recollected Jerry’s thrill at being recognised by fans and players alike. “He was just a kid from the Lower East Side who grew up really poor and realised his dream,” Ben noted. “I know he always had a ball and would love this.”
Ben Stiller’s admiration for both his father and the Knicks has inspired him to embark on a documentary project that aims to chronicle the team’s remarkable history, in collaboration with HBO and A24. The untitled series will cover the full arc of the Knicks franchise, exploring their journey from the 1990s through to their recent triumph. A24 has promised audiences “unprecedented NBA access” along with never-before-seen footage.
As Ben recounted the narrative of this documentary during his interview, he expressed excitement at how the current team has transformed the perception of the franchise. “This team, what they’ve done, it really changed the whole perspective, I think, of the story because you have a team now that did something historic,” he explained. He drew parallels between the present and past, referencing the team’s relationship to their championship runs in both 1999 and 1973, highlighting the layers of history involved.
The actor has long been a visible supporter of the Knicks, frequently attending games and filming moments for personal enjoyment. He remarked on how he typically records matches, often opting for a landscape view because “I’m old and I like that better.” This casual filming evolved, however, as the documentary began to take shape, providing an opportunity to include some of his own footage in the series.
Ben Stiller is not the only celebrity fan backing the Knicks; he was joined at the finals by other high-profile admirers, including Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, and Tracy Morgan. This star-studded presence helped to elevate the atmosphere surrounding the team’s playoff run and victory, as fans and celebrities alike gathered to support the franchise in a season that has been marked by nostalgia and renewed hope.
With the upcoming documentary, Ben aims to present a definitive look into one of basketball’s most iconic stories. The project has been designed to resonate with both dedicated fans and newcomers to the sport, offering insights into what makes the Knicks a cherished part of New York’s cultural landscape.
As he celebrates this significant chapter in Knicks history, Ben Stiller reflects on his father’s legacy and influence. He emphasised that Jerry would have taken immense joy in witnessing his beloved team finally triumph, making the documentary not just a personal endeavour but also a tribute to the bond between father and son, strengthened through their shared love of basketball.
As production for the documentary unfolds, Ben Stiller’s heartfelt memories and enthusiasm for the Knicks promise to enrich the narrative of a team that has rallied its fan base and rewritten its own story. This commemorative effort underscores the emotional investment of both fans and family, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of sports culture in New York City.