Elmo tried to keep the peace ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals, but Knicks fans were not having it.After the “Sesame Street” star posted on X that he hoped the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs would “have fun” before Game 1, fans flooded the replies demanding he pick a side – with many in New York arguing the furry red Muppet should back the hometown team.
The post quickly sparked a wave of viral reactions, as Knicks fans, who’ve been waiting for decades for another shot at the title, took over the conversation and turned Elmo’s message into a debate over loyalty.
Knicks fans go after Elmo: ‘These streets ain’t sesame’
The Knicks fandom has been going viral for their passionate support for the team, which has not made the NBA Finals since 1999. For context, the team’s all-star player, Jalen Brunson, was 3 years old at the time.
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Here’s how fans responded to Elmo:
“If you don’t say something nice about Jalen Brunson before Game 2 I am going to have to rethink everything I know about who Elmo is,” a fan wrote on X.
“This isn’t the time for sportsmanship, Elmo,” one person wrote. “These streets ain’t sesame.”
Fast food chain Wendy’s even put in its two cents: “NOT NOW ELMO.”
“This is your moment to finally pick a side, little buddy. We’ll forgive the neutrality if you rock the orange and blue tonight,” another X user posted.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
More: Knicks vs. Spurs Game 2 predictions: Will Knicks grab 2-0 NBA Finals lead?
Multiple people pointed out how “Sesame Street” is set in the Big Apple. “Traitor to New York,” one reaction stated.
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The fans didn’t let up: “I’m sorry you getting cursed out for this, Elmo but you’re from … NY rep your city!!!”
“Elmo be serious you’re a New Yorker, you know you can’t act like this,” a post said. Someone else responded: “They’re revoking Elmo’s New Yorker status in real time.” Another added, “Elmo, you’re from the city. Pick a side man.”
Elmo eventually responded to the discourse and waved the white flag in a follow-up post, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!”
But of course, some fans had to have the final word, including comedian and New York native Desus Nice: “this ain’t a softball team … pick a side. blood in, blood out.”
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What was the result of Game 1? Knicks fever at a high
Fans celebrate after New York Knicks win Game 1 of the NBA Finals against San Antonio Spurs outside of Madison Square Garden on June 3, 2026 in New York City.
The Knicks defeated the Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 to take an early lead in the best-of-7 series.
After the victory, there were street celebrations outside Madison Square Garden. Even NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was spotted wearing a Knicks jersey under his suit jacket.
The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are playing in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 5, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elmo’s NBA Finals post sparks backlash from Knicks fans
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