ASAP Rocky left no doubt about where his loyalty lies as the New York Knicks continued their pursuit of an NBA championship. The Harlem-born rapper spoke with GQ's Sasha Mutchnik during postgame celebrations after the Knicks took a commanding 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Asked about his connection to the franchise, Rocky made it clear that he views himself as more than just a supporter. He said, 'I'm from New York, sweetheart. I ain't no Knicks fan. I am a Knick.'
His remarks came as New York moved within two wins of capturing its first NBA title since 1973. The Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 and have taken control of the series with back-to-back victories over San Antonio.
Rocky's passion for the team has been evident throughout the postseason. Last month, he joined jubilant fans in Harlem after the Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden.
Celebrations spilled into the streets outside Melba's restaurant, where fans gathered to mark the milestone victory. When the 'Crowtown Express' Knicks bus arrived, Rocky grabbed a basketball and became part of the festivities. Videos from the scene showed him interacting with fans, tossing alley-oops, and embracing the electric atmosphere as New York secured its place in the next round.
ASAP Rocky's comments arrived as the Knicks fever continued to spread throughout New York during the team's deepest playoff run in decades. However, the excitement has produced both large-scale celebrations and public safety concerns.
Following Game 1 of the NBA Finals, several fans climbed onto an ambulance outside Madison Square Garden, resulting in multiple arrests. After Game 2, police reported 26 arrests outside the arena and said one officer was injured during the postgame celebrations.
At the same time, fans have packed watch parties across the city, traveled to San Antonio to support the team and paid premium prices for tickets as New York's first Finals appearance since 1999 has become a citywide event.
Attention now turns to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks enter the matchup holding a 2-0 series lead, while the Spurs face a significant challenge after losing the first two games on their home court to begin the series.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game, adding another layer of attention to a contest that could move New York closer to its first NBA championship in more than five decades. Rocky's declaration resonated against that backdrop, reflecting the intensity of a fan base experiencing one of the most significant moments in franchise history as the Finals return to Madison Square Garden.
(11 Articles Published)