Ben Stiller stunned Charles Barkley over how he got his New York Knicks tickets in an awkward exchange on Wednesday’s “Inside the NBA.”
During an interview before the Knicks’ dramatic Game 4 NBA Finals victory over the Spurs, Barkley gushed over the “Zoolander” star’s devotion to the team.
“You’re not a fair-weather fan,” said Barkley, who contrasted the star with “freeloaders” who are “just showin’ up cause the Knicks are doing good.”
“How long have you actually been a season-ticket holder?” Barkley asked.
“I don’t have a season ticket,” Stiller answered. “I just get the tickets. The celebrit―they give us the tickets.”
“Man, stop lying,” Barkley shot back.
“I don’t think I can afford the Knicks season ticket front row,” Stiller continued. “Um, no, I’m lucky. ... I think it’s because I’ve been coming for so long that they feel I’m a loyal fan.”
Tabloids quoted observers to frame Stiller’s remarks as “entitled” and “clueless,” but it’s no secret Madison Square Garden comps many celebrities with the best seats in the house. (At one point, the lowest price for a Game 4 courtside ticket was reportedly about $42,000.)
It should also be noted that the “Meet the Fockers” actor is reportedly working on a basketball documentary ― which he somewhat confirmed on “Inside the NBA.” He’s been seen filming a lot of the action.
“There’s a project in the works, but, look, I’d be doing it anyway,” he said. “To be able to have that point of view, it’s fun to be able to share it with people.”
Stiller, who sat next to Taylor Swift and crew during the Knicks’ come-from-behind victory, didn’t shy away from his good fortune.
He recalled coming to Knicks games at age 8 with his father, “Seinfeld” legend Jerry Stiller.
“Our family’s been coming forever, so I’m lucky enough to get that,” he said.
