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The lights shine a little brighter at Madison Square Garden during the playoffs—especially when the Celtics are in town. And among the courtside regulars, one new face is quickly becoming a headline act: Timothee Chalamet. The Dune star first caught the sports world off guard with his surprisingly sharp football IQ on The Pat McAfee Show. Then, his courtside cameo with girlfriend Kylie Jenner—and Kendall, too—sent social media into a frenzy during Game 4 of the Celtics-Knicks series. Now, as Game 6 looms large, Chalamet is back in the Garden. But this time, his star-studded plus-one might be a game-time decision.

It may also be a coincidence at the same time. But the passionate Knicks fan was spotted beside rapper Bad Bunny courtside at the Garden. For context, the Puerto Rican rapper shares a similar passion for the New York side and is also a former boyfriend of model Kendall Jenner. Benito, though, has long been in the spotlight of MSG.

In fact, he was also present at the arena when the Jenner sisters and Chalamet made an appearance. He sat right across from the trio during Game 4. And just like Chalamet, Bad Bunny gets engrossed in the spirit of the game. Likewise, the duo sitting side by side may have turned a few heads, considering Chalamet is in a relationship with Kylie Jenner.

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But that’s how sports work. When it comes to being fans, those societal norms don’t apply. And thus far, the tandem has been on their feet several times, rallying behind the Big Apple. The New York Knicks are sitting one decent half away from making it to the Conference Finals. For the Jalen Brunson-led side, they could break past a major roadblock.

All the Knicks need to do is hold on to their gargantuan half-time lead, and history is well within their grasp.

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Knicks finally break their 24-year drought, or will history repeat itself against the Pacers?

Have an interesting take?

The Knicks stand minutes away from ending their hiatus

The last time the Knicks made it to the Conference Finals, Jalen Brunson would have been just four years old. It was way back in 2000 when Latrell Spreewell faced off against the Reggie Miller-led Indiana Pacers. Back then, the Big Apple lost in six games, failing to make it to the NBA Finals.

Now, they have a chance for retribution. And Karl-Anthony Towns and Co. seem desperate to attain it.

After a tough Game 5 against the Jayson Tatum-less Celtics, the Knicks look in fine touch at their home arena. The trio of Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson is putting on an offensive exhibition. With the third quarter not even halfway done, the Knicks have gobbled up the Shamrocks’ hopes of getting back from a 3-1 deficit.

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via Imago

Aside from a sensational offensive display from their monster trio, their defensive tenacity has been crucial. After a blazing night from beyond the arc, the Celtics have been kept to shooting below 25% from beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown has been the only successful option for Joe Mazzulla. No other Celtics have scored even in double-digits thus far.

On the other hand, the Knicks have four starters well-positioned to have 20-point games.

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It seems to be a matter of time before the Shamrocks throw the white towel in. And with that, a 24-year drought for the Knicks and their ardent fans will finally end. They will face the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals once again. And there’s great history between these two teams.

The Pacers didn’t just keep the Knicks from making back-to-back Finals 20 years ago. Last season, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. were the reason for their heartbreak as they eliminated them in the second round in a classic 7-game series. Now, they will most likely get to revisit their rivalry as both teams look to make a NBA Finals break.

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Can the Knicks finally break their 24-year drought, or will history repeat itself against the Pacers?

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