Ben Stiller was one of the most visible supporters of the New York Knicks during their unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, and the award-winning actor believes Tom Thibodeau deserves much of the credit for the success.
Like many other celebrities, Stiller attended several Knicks games during the playoffs. He watched New York knock off the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in the second round before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Stiller seemed as surprised as anyone when the Knicks announced on Tuesday that they have fired Thibodeau. The “Meet the Parents” actor had a nice parting message for Thibodeau on social media.
“I am a Tom Thibodeau fan. He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve,” Stiller wrote on X. “I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners again with him. Thank you COACH THIBS.”
I am a Tom Thibodeau fan. He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners…
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) June 3, 2025
Many Knicks fans share those feelings, though others would argue that Thibodeau mismanaged his lineups and was too stubborn with the team’s bench.
What is not debatable is that Thibodeau was the first coach in 25 years to lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals. The team won 50-plus games in each of the past two seasons and made the playoffs in four of five years under Thibs. That is why so many fans had the same reaction to Thibodeau being fired.
Stiller was so invested in the Knicks’ postseason run that he even exchanged some trash talk with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. New York’s next head coach will probably receive the same level of support from Focker.
