Why did Mariska Hargitay cheer Knicks?

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni hit MSG together

Mariska Hargitay and her former Law & Order: SVU co-star Christopher Meloni were spotted supporting the New York Knicks during the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

They appeared on the MSG Jumbotron during Game 3, where the pair were seen hugging as the Knicks played the San Antonio Spurs. The moment matters for Knicks fans because it adds another layer of mainstream celebrity attention to a high-stakes home playoff game—while also rekindling attention on the longtime on-screen chemistry between Hargitay and Meloni, who have remained closely associated with the show’s fan base.

Donald Trump’s presence also fueled chatter

The same Game 3 coverage environment included wide social media attention around President Donald Trump’s attendance at MSG. Multiple items in the story pool describe loud boos aimed at Trump during the matchup, plus commentary about how the venue managed the spectacle surrounding his arrival and seating.

Entertainment overlap: TV stars meet live sports

The sightings underscore a recurring crossover between pop culture and sports in New York: when major celebrities show up courtside or on arena screens, it quickly becomes part of how the game is remembered—especially during a Finals run. For fans, the Hargitay-Meloni hug was a shareable, feel-good beat amid the intensity of a championship series.

No additional details about whether the pair planned a specific appearance beyond the in-arena spot were provided in the linked coverage.