T.J. McConnell Taunted All of Knicks Celeb Row at Once 😭 (via @pacers)

In a playoff series already rich with drama, grit, and jaw-dropping moments, few could have predicted T.J. McConnell would deliver one of the most unforgettable—and meme-worthy—scenes of the postseason. But that’s exactly what happened when the Indiana Pacers guard found himself not just taking on the New York Knicks, but apparently taking on all of celeb row at Madison Square Garden in one savage, swagger-filled moment.

The Knicks-Pacers rivalry has always had a flair for the dramatic. Reggie Miller and Spike Lee set the standard back in the ‘90s with their infamous back-and-forths, and now, decades later, McConnell has thrown his name into the pantheon of MSG villains with a taunt so bold it left fans howling and celebrities slack-jawed.

The Scene: Garden Energy, Game On

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Tensions are high, the Garden is packed, and the Knicks faithful are living and dying with every possession. On celebrity row? The usual suspects—Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Pete Davidson, and even Jon Stewart, among others—were locked in, decked out in blue and orange, and very vocal about their home team.

The Knicks had been riding a wave of emotion and home-court advantage. But this was Indiana’s night, and McConnell—often the scrappy underdog, known more for hustle than highlight reels—was playing like a man possessed. Diving for loose balls, pestering Jalen Brunson like a mosquito that wouldn’t quit, and, of course, grinning like a man who just stole something valuable.

Then it happened.

The Moment: McConnell’s Instant MSG Infamy

Midway through the third quarter, with the Pacers on a 12-2 run and the Garden crowd growing restless, McConnell intercepted a lazy pass, sprinted coast-to-coast, and converted a layup while getting fouled. As he hit the floor, he popped up—fired up, eyes scanning the stands. And then, without hesitation, he turned to celeb row and let them have it.

Arms spread wide, McConnell let out a primal yell, then mockingly clapped in the direction of Spike Lee and company. What exactly he said was lost in the roar of the crowd, but based on the expressions of the celebs—shock, amusement, and a little rage—it was clear: McConnell was talking that talk.

The internet wasted no time. Within minutes, clips of the taunt flooded social media. Fans posted screenshots of Spike Lee mid-eye-roll, Pete Davidson smirking like he couldn’t believe what he just saw, and Chris Rock literally turning around in his seat. The @pacers account, not missing a beat, reposted the clip with the caption:
“T.J. McConnell taunted all of Knicks celeb row at once 😭”
And just like that, a moment became a meme.

Why It Hit So Hard

On paper, McConnell isn’t supposed to be that guy. He’s not a 30-point scorer. He’s not posterizing defenders. But that’s what made the moment so iconic. In a league filled with superstars and flashy plays, McConnell’s brand of gritty, unrelenting basketball is old-school. So when he stepped into the villain role and taunted New York royalty—and did it in their house? That was personal.

This wasn’t just trash talk. This was emotional warfare.

Spike Lee, long known for drawing out the worst in visiting players, looked momentarily stunned—perhaps realizing for the first time in a while that the Knicks weren’t the only ones who could play the mental game. Social media agreed: “T.J. McConnell channeled his inner Reggie,” one user wrote. Another added, “That’s not just a bucket—that’s psychological damage.”

Knicks Fans React

The reactions from Knicks fans were a mix of disbelief and reluctant respect. “I can’t stand the Pacers, but damn, that was cold,” one fan tweeted. “Who let this gym teacher talk smack to Chris Rock??” joked another.

Memes flew: McConnell photoshopped onto movie posters like John Wick and Joker, clips of him walking past Spike Lee with sunglasses and explosion effects, and of course, every kind of crying emoji you could imagine.

Some fans, though, were fuming. “It’s embarrassing,” one longtime Knicks fan posted. “We let T.J. McConnell clown our entire celebrity row. This series needs to end ASAP.”

Pacers Rally Around Their Guy

Back in the Indiana locker room, McConnell’s teammates were hyped. Tyrese Haliburton called him “our heartbeat,” while Myles Turner laughed, “That’s peak T.J. right there. Scrappy, fearless, and petty as hell.”

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, known for his dry humor, smiled when asked about the taunt: “Well, I think he earned the right. He plays with an edge. And if a few celebrities caught strays… that’s the Garden, right?”

The Aftermath: A New Garden Villain

With the Pacers ultimately stealing that game and sending the series back to Indiana with momentum, McConnell’s MSG moment lives on. Not just as a highlight—but as a symbol. A reminder that in the playoffs, heart can humiliate, and even role players can seize the spotlight.

Reggie Miller haunted New York for a decade. T.J. McConnell may only haunt them for a week—but what a week it’s been.

One thing’s for sure: the next time McConnell checks into the Garden, celeb row better be ready. Because he definitely is.