Knicks Fans, How Are You?
Mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani donned fresh Knicks apparel during a game at Madison Square Garden, a counterpoint to Andrew Cuomo’s recent A-list courtside photo op. Mamdani opted for the “nosebleed” seats, perhaps to connect more with everyday fans.
He was accompanied by a podcaster, and despite the New York Times labeling the event as “low-key,” the social media buzz was undeniable. The post gained significant traction, making quite the splash online.
Mamdani has openly stated that his true passions lean more towards soccer and cricket, mentioning that he only started voicing his support for the Knicks after his mayoral campaign launched earlier this year. Some insiders don’t believe he’s fooling anyone with this sudden fandom.
Political strategist Ken Friedman remarked that Mamdani’s polar bear plunge was a more authentic populist move than attending a Knicks game, even from the cheap seats. He suggested that inviting The Times was a smart play by Mamdani’s team.
As election day nears, Mamdani remains ahead in polls, but Cuomo, running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, is gaining momentum. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa aims for a third-place finish.
After a recent debate, Cuomo made a beeline to MSG to join Mayor Eric Adams courtside. Mamdani humorously noted on social media that “corruption extends to the courtside.”
On Sunday, Mamdani was seen mingling with fans and making the rounds, showcasing a staged “man of the people” image while seated high up in the arena, sharing laughs with comedian Kid Mero, who jokingly referred to Mamdani as looking like “one of my Dominican cousins.”
Wearing a Knicks jersey that featured an “Experience Abu Dhabi” patch, Mamdani danced along to the Backstreet Boys and attempted to engage the crowd, even though several attendees didn’t recognize him. He seemed eager to connect with the Knicks’ fanbase, despite previous claims of indifference.
Reflecting on the campaign’s energy, he noted the mix of exhilaration and anxiety, saying someone described it as akin to playing tennis without knowing the score until the end.
Mamdani later joined fans outside the Garden in chanting “Let’s go Knicks,” a phrase he hadn’t used prior to his run for mayor. In April, he had made an appearance outside MSG with a microphone, interviewing New Yorkers, hinting at his gradual embrace of the local sports culture.
This latest game was just another opportunity for Mamdani to showcase his supposed newfound fan base. Earlier that day, he was spotted at a bar, socializing with Governor Kathy Hochul while cheering for the Buffalo Bills, seemingly missing the fact that many New Yorkers are devoted Giants or Jets fans.
Mamdani shared a lighthearted post about his day, mentioning that although they didn’t go all out with traditional local fare, they were pleased with the Bills’ victory.
A local Republican figure jested that fans would rather see a match between Brittany and Jackson Mahomes than one featuring Mamdani and Hochul. There was some confusion during a rally as Hochul misinterpreted the crowd’s cheers, believing they were celebrating the Bills instead of taxes.
