Ben Stiller was spotted courtside during Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the visiting Boston Celtics on Tuesday evening. During a break in the game, the arena’s big screen landed on the star of “Night at the Museum” and “Zoolander.” Instead of applause or cheers typical for celebrity sightings, a notable portion of the crowd began to audibly boo.
Despite the chilly reception, Stiller smiled, waved, and appeared to take the reaction in stride. Social media clips of the incident quickly made the rounds, with some fans questioning the response and others speculating about possible reasons for the audience’s mixed feelings.
Stiller Responds via Social Media: “Loved the Energy!”
Shortly after the game, Stiller addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“No hard feelings, Indiana! I loved the energy tonight. It’s all part of the game. Appreciate passionate fans—keeps it real!”
The actor’s gracious response drew praise from numerous users, with many commending his ability to maintain a positive outlook amid an awkward moment.
Why the Boos? Mixed Reactions and Theories
While celebrity attendees commonly receive applause during big games, the crowd’s reaction to Stiller has sparked a debate among fans and commentators. Some users on Reddit and X speculated that the boos may have been a case of mistaken identity, while others suggested lingering Pacers pride and a history of ribbing celebrities associated with opposing teams.
Local sportswriter Amanda Thompson commented:
“Pacers fans are fiercely loyal, and sometimes a Hollywood guest—especially one not directly connected to Indiana—gets a tough crowd. It’s all in good fun.”
There is no public record of Stiller siding with any NBA franchise, and the actor has previously been seen at both Knicks and Nets games in New York.
Experts Weigh In: Navigating Celebrity Culture at Sporting Events
Sports culture analyst Dr. James Carleton of Indiana University offered perspective:
“For celebrities, being featured at hometown games is a double-edged sword. If you’re known to root for another team or simply a neutral guest, passionate fans may not always react warmly. However, Stiller’s response was pitch-perfect—acknowledging fans’ energy and supporting their loyalty.”
Social Media Reactions: A Divided Crowd
Reaction online was divided. Some Pacers fans apologized to Stiller via social media, while others said the scene was “just part of Indiana sports.” A trending hashtag, #BenStiller, gained traction overnight with users sharing their takes.
“Still love you, Ben! Sorry about the boos. Come back anytime,” one Pacers fan wrote on Instagram.
Others, meanwhile, joked: “Guess we know who’s not starring in ‘Hoosiers 2!’”
Celebrity Sightings Becoming Commonplace in NBA Playoffs
Stiller is not the only A-list attendee making headlines during playoff season. NBA games, particularly in larger markets or during crucial series, frequently feature Hollywood cameos. Reactions can be unpredictable, as shown in previous incidents involving stars like Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson.
Sports marketing executive David Lowell noted, “Celebrities add excitement to playoff games, but in-home loyalty always comes first for many fans.”
Incident Unlikely to Deter Stiller
The actor’s positive response indicates the incident will not diminish his enthusiasm for sporting events or fan engagement.
As Stiller put it in a follow-up social media post:
