Jon Hamm presents the award for outstanding writing for a drama series during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Watch: Actor Jon Hamm helps Knicks on live-ball play in Game 1 vs. Pacers

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated May 21, 2025 10:38 PM ET

A very Madison Square Garden thing happened at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

During the first half of Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, famous actor Jon Hamm offered an unexpected helping hand to the Knicks. In the second quarter, the Knicks were on offense and forward OG Anunoby had the ball poked away by Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

The loose ball went straight for the sideline, and it looked like Haliburton had an opportunity to save the ball and ignite a fast break. But Hamm prevented that from happening by grabbing the loose ball with two hands. As a result, the Knicks were able to retain possession.

Take a look at the video.

Jon Hamm playing tough courtside defense pic.twitter.com/0ztOQ4msRw
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) May 22, 2025

Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, particularly during the NBA playoffs, are known for the large number of celebrities who are always in attendance. There is even a dedicated section known informally as “Celebrity Row” spanning the closest first few rows in the arena.

As for Hamm, the award-winning actor best known for his starring role in the AMC television series “Mad Men,” he is a well-known Knicks fan (though he is originally from St. Louis, Mo.). It is unclear how exactly Hamm, 54, became a fan of the Knicks. But we do know that he has a strong dislike of sports teams from Boston, which may explain his affinity for New York teams.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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