The Knicks had an extra hand in their thrilling Game 1 matchup with the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday … but unfortunately for the home team, Jon Hamm‘s assist couldn’t help them to victory.
The “Mad Men” actor had courtside seats for the contest at Madison Square Garden … but Hamm apparently wasn’t satisfied with sitting back and observing — ’cause in the second quarter, he took matters into his own hands when the rock came flying in his direction.
Jon Hamm helping the Knicks on defense. đ€Ł
(via @KnicksBeast)
pic.twitter.com/jIi6EiDZpw
â Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 22, 2025
@TheHoopCentral
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton seemingly felt like he could’ve saved the ball to keep it in play … and rushed to Hamm’s section in hopes of deflecting it back onto the court.
But Hamm took swift action and snatched it … resulting in Hali having a mini tantrum and calling for fan interference.
The ball ended up belonging to the Knicks … but the game went to the Pacers, who pulled off an unbelievable fourth-quarter comeback thanks to Aaron Nesmith’s three-point clinic — and Indiana came out on top in overtime, 138-135.
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Hamm was one of several big names at the arena for the game … including TimothĂ©e Chalamet, Suni Lee, Ben Stiller, Larry David, Livvy Dunne, Martha Stewart and plenty more.
Someone who wasn’t?? Haliburton’s dad, John … as he was told to stay home from the rest of the playoffs due to his on-court interaction with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round.
Hali daddy in here clowning đ YESâCERSSSS @Pacers pic.twitter.com/s3dUO5FmmE
â Nurse Kyđ©đœââïž (@pplcallme_Ky) May 22, 2025
@pplcallme_Ky
Things could change on that front, though … as even Charles Barkley advocated for his return to NBA commish Adam Silver — saying he learned his lesson.
So … perhaps we see him among the celebs at Game 2??