It was a simple six-word message wishing the best for both the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks in the build up to the 2026 NBA Finals. The lovable, always positive “Sesame Street” character didn’t mean any harm by it, but it was enough for Knicks fans to remind the furry red monster to never forget your roots.
“Sesame Street” originally was taped in Manhattan before moving to Queens in the early 1990s. Elmo was “born” on Feb. 3, 1980, which means he was around for Patrick Ewing, Anthony Mason, Charles Oakley and the franchise’s rise featuring two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999.
Knicks fans saw Elmo’s well-meaning post and rightly took offense at one of their own failing to pledge his allegiance.
“This isn’t the time for sportsmanship Elmo. These streets ain’t sesame,” was one response. “PICK A SIDE COWARD,” he was told. “Now is not the time for fence riding Elmo. Know your place,” said another X user.
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It also led to public figures and even parts of New York City government to chime in. The New York City Department of Transportation “threatened” to take down the “Sesame Street” honorary street sign on W. 63rd St. and Broadway. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “The original tweet was Rocco behavior if you ask me,” referencing Elmo’s long-time nemesis. The New York Police Department suspected the X version of Elmo was an imposter, much like what you’ll find on any given day in Times Square. Former New York City mayor Eric Adams responded with a gif stating, “Bruh.” The Empire State Building responded, “You picked the Knicks let’s be for real, Elmo.”
Elmo’s “Sesame Street” friends know he’s in the wrong seeing as how none of them have come to his defense.
Big Bird? He’s not singing. Cookie Monster? He’s busy eating cookies like Mikal Bridges has been hitting shots. The Count? He’s counting down the number of games the Knicks have left to win in the series, which is two, by the way.
And Grover? Well, we know where his heart lies.
Elmo, realizing the error of his ways, logged back into X the following day and posted, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!”
The damage had already been done. New Yorkers and Knicks fans may forgive, but they never forget.
Much to the chagrin of Elmo’s original message, through two games only one team was having fun — the Knicks, who won Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio and return home to Madison Square Garden for Monday’s Game 3.
The “World’s Most Famous Arena” will be a wild setting and there will be a number of celebrities in the building, like regulars Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, Fat Joe, and Spike Lee, among others. President Donald Trump is also expected to attend after receiving an invite from Knicks owner James Dolan.
Elmo’s invite wasn’t lost in the mail. At this point it’s likely in the bottom of a trash can next to its only resident, Oscar the Grouch.
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