Ben Schwartz Remembers Iconic Knicks Towel 30 Years Later
Comedian Ben Schwartz recalls snagging his first Knicks playoff towel at MSG in early ’90s
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
In a recent Instagram post, comedian and actor Ben Schwartz dug into his archives to share a moment that’s special to any lifelong New York Knicks fan. Schwartz posted a photo of himself holding up a bright orange towel he picked up at Madison Square Garden during the early ’90s, the first—and possibly only—playoff game he ever attended. The matchup? The Knicks versus the Indiana Pacers, a pairing that’s come full circle 30 years later.
A Fateful Towel At Msg
Schwartz’s caption reads, “Got this towel at MSG for the first and maybe only @nyknicks playoff game I was ever able to get tickets to. It was the early 90s and the Knicks were playing the Pacers. I’ve been rooting for this team my entire life. This year is special. 30 years later. We are matching up against the Pacers for the second straight year. Could not be more psyched for tonight. GO NY GO NY GO! BING. BONG.” The image shows Schwartz grinning widely, clutching the souvenir towel in one hand while sporting Knicks blue and orange—proof positive that basketball fandom and comedy chops can live in harmony.
30 Years Later – Playoff Rematch
Fast-forward three decades, and the Knicks find themselves facing Indiana in the NBA playoffs once again. Fans remember the original ’90s battles—Patrick Ewing versus Reggie Miller, endless physicality, and dramatic buzzer-beaters. Today’s Knicks, led by Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, have built a new chapter of resilience, but the narrative echo of those original Pacers battles is impossible to ignore.
With the series set at Madison Square Garden, Schwartz’s throwback towel is more than a collectible—it’s a talisman. His public enthusiasm adds to the energy inside the arena, where animosity toward the Pacers still lingers for many longtime fans. Whether it’s chanting “New York! New York!” or the raucous BING. BONG. that rings through the rafters, the playoff atmosphere is electric—and Schwartz is reveling in every second.
From Funny Man To Fan
Ben Schwartz is no stranger to large audiences. The New York–born performer earned acclaim for his work on shows like Parks and Recreation, House of Lies and for voicing Sonic in Paramount’s live-action/CGI films. A graduate of The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, he honed his improv skills long before breaking into Hollywood. Schwartz’s genuine passion for the Knicks underscores the fact that even a successful actor and writer can’t escape the pull of hometown sports loyalties.
His Instagram post doesn’t just revisit a personal milestone—it taps into a shared nostalgia among fans who recall the Garden’s roar in the days of Ewing and Starks. The early ’90s were a golden era of rivalry, and Schwartz’s towel is a memento of that hard-nosed basketball philosophy.
Schwartz’s Improv Tour Momentum
Away from the court, Schwartz is busy on the road with his improv troupe, Rejected Jokes. Earlier this year, he announced on Instagram that he had just added an extra Los Angeles show for August—bringing the total to 30 tour dates in 2025. “Every show starts with us interviewing a random audience member about the most exciting day or night of their life,” he wrote. Fans can grab tickets at RejectedJokes.com/tour and experience a different kind of live energy—one driven by unscripted comedy rather than buzzer-beaters.
Between film sets, voice-over sessions and supporting his Knicks, Schwartz has crafted a schedule that keeps him connected with audiences in every medium. Whether he’s recounting a childhood playoff memory or riffing on stage, his enthusiasm is a reminder that sports, entertainment and personal history can collide in memorable ways.
As the Knicks-Pacers series unfolds, Schwartz’s post will no doubt serve as a rallying cry for older fans and a quirky insider note for newer ones. Basketball lore is filled with iconic images—sweaty jerseys, legendary shots and playoff rituals. This year, Ben Schwartz’s orange towel just might take its place among them.
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