New York Knicks release gushing defense of Taylor Swift after two of their players called her team’s ‘fakest celebrity fan’ in now-viral interview

The defending-champion New York Knicks have issued a statement of support for Taylor Swift after reserve guard Tyler Kolek questioned her fandom.

‘Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden (MSG), and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,’ an MSG spokesperson said in a statement released Friday.

Days earlier, Kolek named Swift as the team’s ‘fakest celebrity’ fan during a segment on the NBA 2K League’s ‘Deflected’ show.

Back in June, Swift donned a custom, team-colored ‘Stevie Knicks’ t-shirt at MSG for New York’s epic Game 4 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs. Kolek recalled seeing her there, but felt she was a late addition to the Knicks bandwagon.

‘I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,’ Kolek said.

Although he appeared to agree, teammate Miles McBride did caution Kolek that ‘Swifties [are] not gonna like that answer.’

Older wire show Swift hobnobbing with celebrity friends and Knicks fans during 2014 games at MSG. Here she has a beer with Karlie Closs, wife of soon-to-be Lakers owner Josh Kushner

Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Amanda Seyfried, Taylor Swift and guest attend the Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2014 in New York

Miles McBride (left) agreed with Tyler Kolek (right) about Swift being a ‘fake’ Knicks fan

Alas, the damage had been done. Swift’s legion of fans swarmed Kolek on social media, with many pointing out his meager playing time.

‘Taylor been to more Knicks games than you Tyler,’ one Swiftie wrote online, echoing a sentiment felt by countless others.

Swift does have a history of attending Knicks games, particularly before she began dating Kansas City Chiefs star and Cleveland Cavaliers fan Travis Kelce. She did attend a Cavs-Knicks game with her then-fiancé in Cleveland but did so without wearing any team gear.

Older wire photos do show Swift hobnobbing with celebrity friends and Knicks fans during 2014 games at MSG. In addition to having a beer with model Karlie Kloss, who is now married to soon-to-be Lakers owner Josh Kushner, Swift is also seen palling around with Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and his wife Kate Upton, as well as actors Amanda Seyfried and Justin Long.

Kolek’s criticism wasn’t limited to Swift, but to all celebrity fans who strive to be seen at MSG, where the singer wed Kelce back in July.

‘At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative, because they just want to be seen at the game,’ Kolek said. ‘They’re not necessarily fans.’