3 Times Spike Lee Risked NBA Players’ Wrath As Knicks Superfan

The art of being an NBA superfan requires more than just showing up and cheering. It demands unwavering loyalty and thick skin. From Jimmy Goldstein’s fashion-forward presence across multiple arenas to Nav Bhatia’s perfect attendance record for the Raptors, superfans have become as much a part of NBA lore as the players themselves. But no one has mastered the art of high-stakes courtside confrontation quite like Spike Lee, who is known for his uncanny ability to get under opponents’ skin while wearing orange and blue from head to toe.

Every NBA arena has its courtside royalty, but none quite like the fiery filmmaker who turned Madison Square Garden’s Celebrity Row into his personal director’s chair. His recent induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor cemented what basketball fans have known for years – sometimes the most entertaining drama at MSG unfolds not on the hardwood but between the baseline seats and the players who dare to cross paths with Brooklyn’s finest.

The times when Spike Lee got into feuds

His most iconic feud erupted in 1994 when Indiana Pacers’ sharpshooter Reggie Miller turned their verbal sparring into personal motivation. During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Miller unleashed an explosive 39 points, repeatedly taunting Lee after each basket with the iconic choking gesture. The exchange became so legendary that it earned its own ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, “Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks.” Miller later admitted that Lee’s constant heckling actually fueled his performance, leading to one of the most memorable playoff performances in NBA history. But as much as Miller enjoyed taunting Lee, it was the Knicks who had the last laugh in that 1994 series, winning it in seven games.

However the next in line is Charles Barkley, who became the target of the Oscar-winning director a few months back. In February, Lee was in Indianapolis for the 2024 All-Star Weekend. He made a guest appearance on the NBA on TNT show when Barkley asked a casual question. “I got a question for you. You’re one of the best to ever do what you do for living. In your humble, honest opinion, who’s the better actor – Sam Jackson or Charles Barkley?” said Barkley. However, in return, he got an answer that he himself wasn’t expecting. “Can I just say something? Crack is wack,” said Lee and the whole panel bursted with laughter.

Perhaps Lee’s most complex confrontation came with Phil Jackson during his tenure as Knicks president, centered around former Knicks player Carmelo Anthony. During the 2016-17 season, Anthony scored 22.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 2.9 APG, which, according to Jackson, was not enough, leading to constant conflicts between them. The conflicts reached a point where Anthony was forced to ask for a trade, ultimately leading to his departure for the Oklahoma City Thunder. “Bro, I don’t understand this s–t, to this day I really don’t understand it. There’s no explanation,” Anthony said. “Listen, I’m gonna try to give you this in a quick summary. When I left New York, I didn’t leave New York. I got pushed out of New York, Phil [Jackson] pushed me out of New York. I struggled to leave New York,” said Anthony during a podcast.

Lee was not on the same page with what Jackson was doing and had given his opinion regarding the feud. “I’ll pack Phil’s bags for him. I think I still believe in Carmelo, but Phil Jackson is making it very difficult for him,” said Lee. Surprisingly Jackson was fired by the Knicks team management a few months after in June. To mark this move as a victory Lee had taken to his Instagram to post a picture of him with hands held high and wrote the caption “HALLELUJAH.”

Through it all, Lee’s passion has never wavered. His courtside presence has become as much a part of Knicks basketball as Madison Square Garden itself, proving that sometimes the biggest impact on the game comes from beyond the lines. However, even after so many feuds, it seems like the Hollywood director is over one.

The one clash of Spike Lee that is now only in the past

In October, after the last day of Fanatics Fest, the Hollywood director found himself amongst a group of  Ben Stiller, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Walt Frazier. However, unexpectedly Kazeem Famuyide, who was the host, brought up the Knicks’ upcoming home opener against the Pacers in the 2024-25 season. As usual, Lee talked about the rivalry of the Celtics and Knicks but also mentioned something that the fans weren’t ready for.

The legendary filmmaker acknowledged that fans still ask about the feud between him and Reggie Miller but he emphasized that there’s no lingering hate between them. “You know I don’t like them, but me and Reg are cool though… That sh** happened over 20 years ago… There’s no hate between me and Reggie, it’s all good,” said Lee. Moreover last year Miller also had the same emotion towards his old enemy. “He’s the face of the Knicks. I love him. We’re at a better place now in our relationship,” said Miller.

However, even after clarifying that he has no hate for Lee anymore, the former shooting guard made it clear that the fire regarding the past events still burns in his heart. “But in those moments and deep down in my belly, I’ll always have a disdain for the New York Knicks,” added Miller. As mentioned Their rivalry was a highlight of the 1990s NBA, with Lee’s courtside antics and Miller’s clutch performances igniting intense emotions. However, time has healed old wounds, and the two have moved on from their past disagreements.