Elmo faces backlash from Knicks fans for neutral NBA Finals stance
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 3:55 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Ahead of Game 1 on June 3, Elmo took to X to express well wishes for both the Knicks and Spurs. The beloved Sesame Street character faced significant backlash from Knicks fans, who criticized him for not voicing support for his home team. Despite trailing by 14 points in the second half, the Knicks managed to secure a win in San Antonio, propelled by Jalen Brunson's 30 points. Former Knicks players have appeared on Sesame Street, but no current players have made guest spots. The Knicks' victory sets the stage for further games in the Finals.
- •Elmo expressed support for both teams on X before Game 1.
- •Knicks fans reacted negatively to Elmo's neutral post.
- •Knicks recovered from 14-point deficit to win in San Antonio.
- •Jalen Brunson scored 30 points in the game.
- •No current Knicks players have appeared on Sesame Street.
- 3:55 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Pick a side coward’: even-handed Elmo enrages New York Knicks fans
- 3:27 PMYahoo Sports — NY Knicks fans demand Elmo pick a side in NBA Finals
- 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — Elmo's Neutral NBA Finals Post Causes Chaos with Knicks Fans: 'You're from the City. Pick a Side'
"Prospect of first NBA title since 1999 fuels wave of righteous outrage against Big Apple-based Sesame Street character The NBA basketball finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs has already drawn commentary after Spurs fans earlier this week continued a habit of wearing distracting, candy-colored T-shirts to honor the Texas city’s annual Fiesta festival. But now the Knicks’ first opportunity to win the title since 1999 – the last time they were in the finals, also against the Spurs, when they lost – has thrown fans in the Big Apple into such a partisan frenzy that some have come for one of their most beloved own. Continue reading...
""Sesame Street" icon Elmo got backlash from New York Knicks fans for failing to support his hometown team in the NBA Finals.
"Before Game 1, the 'Sesame Street' character declined to show his loyalty to New York City
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 5, 2026, 3:55 PM‘Pick a side coward’: even-handed Elmo enrages New York Knicks fans
Prospect of first NBA title since 1999 fuels wave of righteous outrage against Big Apple-based Sesame Street character The NBA basketball finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs has already drawn commentary after Spurs fans earlier this week continued a habit of wearing distracting, candy-colored T-shirts to honor the Texas city’s annual Fiesta festival. But now the Knicks’ first opportunity to win the title since 1999 – the last time they were in the finals, also against the Spurs, when they lost – has thrown fans in the Big Apple into such a partisan frenzy that some have come for one of their most beloved own. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 3:27 PMNY Knicks fans demand Elmo pick a side in NBA Finals
"Sesame Street" icon Elmo got backlash from New York Knicks fans for failing to support his hometown team in the NBA Finals.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 6:16 PMElmo's Neutral NBA Finals Post Causes Chaos with Knicks Fans: 'You're from the City. Pick a Side'
Before Game 1, the 'Sesame Street' character declined to show his loyalty to New York City
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