Dave Portnoy Calls Out Spike Lee for Courtside Antics at Knicks' Game 3
New York Knicks superfans have been in the spotlight throughout their playoff run, and the first home game for the team in the NBA Finals was no different, as more celebs than ever were at Game 3 in Madison Square Garden.
Some of the famous faces in the crowd included Larry David, Derek Jeter, Mariska Hargitay, and Jay Z, as well as regulars like Timothee Chalamet, Fat Joe, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, and Spike Lee.
Lee has been attending the games for many years, infamously receiving trash talk and taunts from opponents that include former Indiana Pacers great Reggie Miller, with his choking gesture towards the film director.
With the director of “Do the Right Thing” and “He Got Game” sitting in his usual spot courtside, he often gets highly animated in reacting to what’s going on in the Knicks games.
More news:Victor Wembanyama Draws Strong Criticism for Game 3 Shove on Jalen Brunson
Barstool Sports founder and owner Dave Portnoy apparently took exception to how much Spike is allowed to get away with when it comes to him berating the NBA referees from nearby.
“So Spike Lee is allowed to throw temper tantrums at mid court, harass the refs and make a foul call? Good to know,” Portnoy fired off in his X message.
“So let me ask you this, are we just allowing Spike Lee to on the court to heckle refs in the middle of the game? We’re just allowing, and then he calls a foul? We’re just letting opposing fans call the game,” Portnoy said over his clip showing Lee, who gets up from his seat and steps onto the court before a foul is called.
“Have you watched any Knicks games in the last 30 years? lmao,” a fan replied to Portnoy’s message.
“He’s been doing this crap for decades. He’s like an annoying little elf,” a commenter replied.
“Coming from someone who makes a living off of temper tantrums. U constantly embarrass urself,” another individual replied to Portnoy.
Portnoy has generally been seen at Boston Celtics games, and has also admitted he’s a fan of the WNBA, including Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever.
While Lee, 69, likely paid a lot of money to sit where he is for an expensive NBA Finals Game 3, Portnoy did have a point about him going onto the court. It wasn’t midcourt, but it still seemed that he stepped out there and was receiving liberties that other fans going onto an NBA court might not get.
More news:Charles Barkley Jokes With Knicks Legend About Playoff Grudge at NBA Finals
For more about the NBA Playoffs, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 8:13 PM.