Beyond the superstar talent on the court, the NBA Cup also puts a spotlight on the league’s roots and the celebrities who show up.
You can also see countless celebrities, from former NBA and WNBA players to actors and comedians, show up at various games. But Vegas is always stacked with the best.
During the NBA Cup Semi-Finals, NBA Hall of Famers Tony Parker (four-time NBA champion) and Gary Payton (NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year) were in attendance.
You also saw icons such as Spike Lee, a film producer and director known for films like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X. He is also known as the New York Knicks “super fan,” attending games dressed in full Knicks gear.
Spike Lee Court Side for Knicks versus Magic in Emirates NBA Cup Semi-Finals in Las Vegas. Photo by: Kirby Lee
World-famous comedian Andrew Santino was in the building as well. He is best known for his stand-up comedy and his podcast Bad Friends with fellow comedian Bobby Lee. Santino was shown on the jumbotron making a silly cross-eyed face to amuse everyone in the arena.
NBA games aren’t just about basketball; they’re also about the people in attendance.
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball report and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
