Mariska Hargitay still has Knicks fever.
The “Law & Order: SVU” star, who has enhanced her profile with her Knicks fandom and Broadway debut, has not gotten over the magical months of May and June when the Knicks claimed their first NBA title in 53 years.
She claimed the “world has changed” because of it in a feature with Variety.
Mariska Hargitay poses for Variety. Michael Schwartz for Variety
Hargitay reflected on the night of the Knicks’ wild Game 4 comeback win when she sat courtside with Taylor Swift, Este Haim and Alana Haim while wearing a “Stevie Knicks” blue shirt.
The three were a highlight of the night, but nothing could top the thrilling game-winning tip-in from OG Anunoby.
“You’re standing in a miracle,” she told the outlet. “The world was changed. New York was changed. The bar of what’s possible has changed. You can be down 29 points and still win — this is what’s in the consciousness of young athletes now.”
Mariska Hargitay poses for Variety. Michael Schwartz for Variety
Hargitay, 62, even ended her one-person show “Every Brilliant Thing,” early by four minutes that night and ran about 10 blocks to make to the game on time, refusing the idea of sitting in a skybox if she was late.
“I’m not interested in sitting in a box!” she told Variety. “I need to be there. I need this for them!”
The Knicks went on to clinch the title in Game 5 in San Antonio, which fell on the same night Hargitay had another show.
She even asked to the dismay of the stage manager if Daniel Radcliffe, who’d originated the role, could perform for her that night.
It kept her from watching the first half live, but she was able to tune into the second half from home.
Mariska Hargitay poses for Variety. Michael Schwartz for Variety
OG Anunoby of the Knicks and Mariska Hargitay celebrate after the game against the Spurs during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026, at Madison in New York. NBAE via Getty Images
“My heart was in two places — I’m not going to lie,” she said.
Not only did Hargitay become a favorite among Knicks fans, but she also won the heart of Finals MVP Jalen Brunson throughout the years.
“Mariska is my favorite New York Knicks fan,” Brunson told Variety. “I’m so grateful for the relationship we have been able to build over the last few years. As a lifelong fan of ‘SVU,’ her support means the world to me. I’m truly grateful to have her in my corner.”
Brunson recently told The Post “I can say that I would definitely say yes!” to a guest appearance after Hargitay teased what’s in the works for the star while on the “Today” show last week.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Mariska Hargitay, and his dad Rick ride on a float with the Championship trophy during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway through Lower Manhattan’s historic Canyon of Heroes on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
Mariska Hargitay poses for Variety. Michael Schwartz for Variety
The two shared an emotional moment following Game 4 on the court. They hugged and Hargitay was heard saying, “I love you so much, I’m so happy!”
Prior to that, she sprinted onto the court to embrace Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, an assistant under head coach Mike Brown and was a member of the ’99 Knicks squad that reached the Finals.
Hargitay was also on Brunson’s float for the Knicks championship parade in lower Manhattan in June alongside her son, August.
It’s a special bond between the two — one long-time Knicks fan and actor Ben Stiller envies.
“The love that Mariska Hargitay gets from you postgame is the envy of every other Knicks fan, Knicks celebrity fan. She gets a hug after a loss,” Stiller said on Brunson’s “Roommates” podcast with Josh Hart.
Hargitay will be one to watch again in the 2026-27 season, in which the Knicks open against the 76ers on Oct. 20.
— Additional reporting by Jenna Lemoncelli
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