Anne Hathaway made a rare courtside appearance with her youngest son at Madison Square Garden on November 14, thrilling fans who recognized the Princess Diaries star. However, the evening took a dramatic turn when Knicks player OG Anunoby nearly collided with Hathaway and her son in a close call that startled onlookers.
The unexpected moment unfolded during a heated sequence in the Knicks game when Anunoby lost his footing near the sidelines and inadvertently stumbled toward Hathaway and her son. As the Knicks forward lunged to catch his balance, Hathaway pulled her son close, shielding him from the incoming player. Security staff and nearby fans quickly reacted, but Hathaway’s composure in the moment caught everyone’s attention as she calmly held her son, smiling and reassuring him after the incident. Anunoby, once regaining his balance, also seemed visibly relieved, flashing an apologetic gesture toward the actress.
An Unexpected Highlight of the Night
This courtside incident quickly became a talking point for those in attendance, as the sight of Hathaway—an Academy Award-winning actress—narrowly avoiding an encounter with a player added an unexpected thrill to the evening’s game. Fans took to social media almost immediately, sharing their astonishment at seeing Hathaway so close to the action. One fan tweeted, “Anne Hathaway’s courtside game is strong! She handled that Knicks scare like a pro.”
Hathaway’s outing marked a rare public appearance with her son, whom she and her husband, Adam Shulman, keep largely out of the spotlight. The actress has often spoken about her desire to give her children a life away from public scrutiny, making this occasion a special treat for both her fans and her son, who seemed captivated by the game.
A Special Night at Madison Square Garden
Hathaway’s presence at Madison Square Garden underscores her long-standing affection for New York City. A regular attendee at various Knicks games, Hathaway has been spotted courtside numerous times over the years, usually with her husband or close friends. However, this particular evening was notable, as her young son joined her for the first time in a high-profile setting. Fans caught glimpses of the duo sharing snacks, cheering, and enjoying the electrifying atmosphere of MSG, reminding everyone of Hathaway’s local ties and appreciation for the city’s sports culture.
Anunoby’s near-collision with Hathaway adds to the long list of memorable celebrity encounters at MSG. Over the years, the Garden has become known not only for exciting basketball but also for its celebrity sightings, with stars often seated just inches from the action.
Knicks and NBA Fans React
The incident generated lighthearted reactions across the Knicks fandom and the NBA community. Many admired Hathaway’s grace in handling the close call and praised her sense of calm amid the startling moment. The Knicks also joined in on the fun, playfully tweeting a photo of Hathaway with the caption, “Anne Hathaway courtside dodging like a pro.”
Anunoby’s unexpected near-collision has highlighted the unique dynamic of New York’s courtside experience, where celebrities and fans are seated in such close proximity to the action. For the Knicks, the Hathaway encounter adds another chapter to Madison Square Garden’s storied history, as yet another New York icon braves the sidelines of MSG.