Maybe when DJ Khaled said “I’m on One,” he meant his cellphone. The record producer and famed DJ was sitting on celebrity row sandwiched between rapper Fat Joe and former NFL head coach Jimmy Johnson for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs at the Garden. But Khaled, as shown on the ABC broadcast, appeared to be spending plenty of time on his phone while the action was going down.
It didn’t sit well with a number of users on social media. “DJ Khaled sitting courtside on his phone all night is making me irrationally angry,” Christopher Powers, a senior writer at Golf Digest, wrote on X. “DJ Khaled won’t get off of his phone sitting court side and it’s really making me angry,” Dana Beers of Barstool Sports chimed in. Another user speculated on what Khaled was really doing while sitting in prime real estate at the World’s Most Famous Arena. “DJ Khaled went to MSG to answer emails,” they wrote.
Tickets to the game were the most expensive ever for an NBA Finals contest, with get-in prices starting at four figures. Before the game, Khaled shared a video of himself with Yankees great Alex Rodriguez and a picture that included himself, Fat Joe and Rev. Al Sharpton. Khaled was far from the only celebrity on hand for the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game since 1999. Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Timothée Chalamet, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Spike Lee and even President Donald Trump were all in New York to see the historic game.
Background on DJ Khaled
Khaled, born Khaled Mohamed Khaled, is a renowned DJ, record producer, and media personality known for his catchphrases like “We the Best” and “Another One.” He has collaborated with major artists such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, and Rihanna, and his albums frequently top the charts. However, his behavior at events has sometimes drawn criticism. In 2019, he was criticized for being on his phone during a basketball game, and this incident reignites that debate.
The Cost of Courtside Seats
The 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs generated unprecedented demand. Courtside seats for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden were reported to cost upwards of $5,000 each, with some resale prices exceeding $10,000. The average ticket price for the game was around $2,000, making it the most expensive NBA Finals game in history. Khaled’s apparent disregard for the live action while using his phone infuriated fans who couldn’t afford such tickets.
Celebrity Culture at the Finals
The presence of A-list celebrities at NBA Finals games is a longstanding tradition. Stars like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet are often seen courtside. However, when a celebrity like Khaled appears distracted, it sparks debate about the value of such experiences. Many fans noted that Khaled’s phone use contradicted his own motivational messages about staying focused. His Instagram post before the game showed him pumped up for the Knicks, yet on TV he seemed detached.
Social Media Backlash
The Twitter (now X) backlash was swift. Users pointed out that Khaled could have watched from home if he wanted to be on his phone. Others joked that he was scheduling club appearances or checking his cryptocurrency investments. The incident became a trending topic, with many calling it “disrespectful” to the players and fans. Some defended Khaled, suggesting he might have been handling business or family matters. However, the prevailing sentiment was one of frustration.
Historical Context
The Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 was a massive event for New York. The team’s run energized the city, and tickets were a status symbol. President Donald Trump’s attendance added a political layer, while celebrities lined up to be seen. DJ Khaled’s presence was expected to add glamour, but his phone use overshadowed the moment. The incident highlights the tension between genuine fandom and the performative aspects of celebrity attendance.
Ultimately, the game itself was a classic, with the Knicks winning 112-109. Yet, the post-game conversation was dominated by Khaled’s phone etiquette. This incident serves as a reminder that in the age of social media, every move by a public figure is scrutinized, especially when high-priced tickets are involved. Whether Khaled learns from this remains to be seen, but fans will likely remember his courtside behavior more than the final score.
Source:MSN News