Ben Stiller Defended by Jaimie Alexander After Skipping Knicks Playoff Game for Met Gala Jaimie Alexander speaks out in support of Ben Stiller after the actor faced backlash for prioritizing the Met Gala over a New York Knicks playoff match. The high-stakes world of New York City entertainment saw a clash of priorities this week when veteran actor Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, made the controversial choice to skip the New York Knicks first playoff game in favor of the prestigious 2026 Met Gala. For a city that prides itself on both its sporting passion and its fashion leadership, the decision did not go unnoticed. Stiller, who is widely recognized as a devoted supporter of the Knicks, found himself in the crosshairs of public opinion, most notably from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.Portnoy did not hold back in his critique, taking to social media to suggest that the actor should essentially 'turn in his man card' for choosing a red carpet over the hardwood of Madison Square Garden. This public shaming highlighted the often intense expectations placed upon celebrity sports fans, where loyalty is measured by physical presence during the most critical moments of a postseason run.However, not everyone was quick to judge the actor. Jaimie Alexander, a close friend of the couple and a passionate Knicks enthusiast herself, stepped forward to provide a more nuanced perspective. During her appearance at the Accessories Council Excellence Awards in New York City, where she was supporting Blake Mycoskie, Alexander revealed that Stiller and Taylor were still deeply connected to the game despite their physical absence.She explained that the couple had cleverly integrated their team spirit into their high-fashion looks, with Ben sporting Knicks orange and Christine wearing Knicks blue. Beyond the wardrobe choices, Alexander asserted that the couple remained glued to the action throughout the evening. She mentioned that she had been texting them frequently and knew for a fact that they were monitoring the progress of the game on their mobile phones while navigating the glitz of the gala.Alexander's defense painted a picture of a couple trying to balance their professional obligations and social standing with their genuine love for their hometown team. Adding another layer of irony to the evening was the behavior of another high-profile couple, Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. In a direct reversal of the Stiller-Taylor dynamic, Chalamet chose to prioritize the basketball game over the Met Gala.While Jenner graced the red carpet in a daring, flesh-colored Schiaparelli gown that captured the attention of the fashion world, the Oscar nominee was spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden. Chalamet was seen rubbing elbows with figures like Tracy Morgan and Susie Essman as the Knicks secured a dominant 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.This separation of the couple led to its own set of criticisms, with some social media users branding Chalamet a bad boyfriend for leaving Jenner to face the paparazzi alone at one of the most photographed events of the year. While Chalamet remained silent on the matter, he subtly signaled his priorities by posting a picture of his baby blue Adidas Samba sneakers from his courtside seat, further cementing the divide between the night's fashion elite and its sports fanatics.The intersection of the Met Gala and the NBA playoffs serves as a fascinating study in New York City's cultural duality. For figures like Jaimie Alexander, the loyalty to the Knicks is absolute. The Thor actress has frequently utilized her social media platforms to express her adoration for the team, previously sharing images of herself in a Patrick Ewing jersey alongside player Josh Hart.Her conviction is so strong that she publicly declared that if she were ever invited to the Met Gala and it coincided with a Knicks playoff game, she would simply refuse to attend. This level of devotion stands in stark contrast to the more flexible approach taken by Ben Stiller, who attempted to bridge the gap between the two worlds via color-coordinated attire.As the Knicks continue their push through the Eastern Conference semifinals, the debate over where a true fan's loyalty lies—at the arena or at the party—continues to trend, proving that in New York, sports and celebrity culture are inextricably linked