New Yorkers and Texans are ready for their states to square off in the NBA Finals — and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Ted Cruz even agreed on a wager in a rare show of friendly sportsmanship across the political aisle.
The New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are set to tip off at Frost Bank Center, the Texans’ home court, Wednesday night. Tensions are already flaring between die-hard fans, including MAGA Republican Cruz and Democrat Gillibrand.
Cruz tagged Gillibrand in a post on X and suggested betting on their respective states’ teams.
“If the [Knicks] win (not gonna happen!) the series, then you & your team get Texas BBQ, Shiner Bock beer & Blue Bell ice cream. When the [Spurs] win, the loser wears the winner’s jersey. Deal?” Cruz pitched.
Gillibrand agreed and said she would treat Cruz and his staff to a hearty meal at “the world-famous Joe’s Pizza and Brooklyn Lager” if the Knicks fall to the Spurs.
“Go NY Go!” she added.
The politicians’ uncharacteristically amicable tête-à-tête came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott trolled New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on X.
Abbott posted an AI-generated image on Sunday depicting himself in a Spurs jersey “dunking” on Hochul, clad in a Knicks jersey, with President Trump laughing from the sidelines.
“Spurs about to dunk on Knicks like Texas has been dunking on New York. Go Spurs Go,” Abbott wrote.
Hochul crafted a short-and-sweet response on Monday, taking a jab at Abbott’s staunch stance on transgender people’s participation in athletics.
“BREAKING: Greg Abbott comes out for men and women competing on the same court,” Hochul wrote.
The oft-opposed politicians aren’t the only ones putting their pride on the line for the good of the game.
When the Knicks were still giving the Philadelphia 76ers a slow death in the Eastern Conference Finals, a pair of cheesesteak connoisseurs wagered their livelihoods.
Frank Olivieri, proud owner of Philadelphia’s iconic Pat’s King of Steaks, and Louis Cretella, co-owner of Dario’s Pizza in West Hempstead, agreed to cook in the winner’s restaurant while decked out in the opposite team’s gear.
When the Knicks came out on top in Game 4, Olivieri assured he would make good on his promise and cook for Cretella — while decked out in Knicks merchandise.
