Pat McAfee was in full heel mode during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. With the Pacers taking control late in the game, McAfee seized the opportunity to turn Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a cauldron of noise while taking some pointed jabs at New York’s famous fan base.
With just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and Indiana holding a commanding 111-96 lead, McAfee appeared on the video board and instantly transformed the arena into a frenzy of cheers and jeers.
McAfee goes full wrestling heel on New York’s celebrity row
Known for his bombastic presence on The Pat McAfee Show and WWE’s Monday Night Raw, McAfee leaned into his role as Indiana’s ultimate hype man-targeting a few well-known Knicks fans in the building.
“Spike Lee is here,” McAfee shouted, drawing immediate boos from the crowd. Not missing a beat, he continued, “Ben Stiller is here,” riling up the fans even further.
Then came the final shot: “Timothee Chalamet is here. Let’s send these sons of b***es back to New York with their ears ringing. Let’s turn this s**t up!”
The eruption in Gainbridge Fieldhouse was exactly what McAfee was going for. In classic wrestling fashion, he even gave Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle an animated jab in the arm as Carlisle walked past him during the spectacle.
It was the kind of moment that captured the city’s blue-collar intensity and pride in their team, especially against the star-studded backdrop of a Knicks franchise that often draws major celebrities to its playoff games.
While Madison Square Garden had boasted an all-star crowd during Games 1 and 2, Indiana had its own cast of characters for Game 4.
Most notably, rapper and New York native 50 Cent made an appearance on the video board in the fourth quarter. Surprisingly, he seemed to be siding with the Pacers despite his Queens roots.
The Pacers ultimately sealed the deal with a 130-121 victory, giving them a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5 at the Garden on Thursday. The Knicks now face elimination and will need to win to avoid being ousted by Indiana for the second consecutive year in the playoffs.
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