Some Things Are Bigger Than Sports: James Dolan, Yes James Dolan, Gave A Little Kid The Game Ball Last Night

Amazing. I literally never thought this could be possible. Listen, at risk of getting banned from MSG, let’s just say James Dolan hasn’t always been the greatest owner in sports. Whether it’s following around media members to track if they are saying negative things about the team, having micro management tendencies when it comes to The Knicks City Dancers outfits, making high level staff go to his band’s gigs, implementing facial recognition at MSG, tossing Oakley a beloved dan favorite, and of course the Knicks being bad for the better part 20 years didn’t help. But things are good now, and maybe the old man is getting softer as he ages because never in a million years would I have expected this to occur. 

When I first saw this I thought Dolan was pointing like he was going to ban someone or have them escorted out, when the reveal comes through with the ball and then pans to the little kid it’s just awesome. You can tell it seemed like it made both of their nights. Also, while I’m sure Dolan knew a camera was rolling because that’s just how things are in 2025, it did seem very organic and not like a look at me type gesture. Holy shit what a world, Dolan is likable and the Knicks have a 3-1 lead on the defending World Champs. What a time to be alive. 

Final note - the parents of that kid need to secure that ball for safety until at least this run is over. If it ends in a title you never ever let that ball hit the ground, but at least lock it up until the end of the playoffs , then maybe break it out if the run ends in sadness.