It was a night of highs and lows for the New York Knicks. Just hours after demolishing the Philadelphia 76ers with a historic 137-98 victory—the first franchise to win three consecutive playoff games by 25 points or more—several players found themselves on the wrong side of New York's most exclusive velvet rope.
According to reports, members of the Knicks roster attempted to celebrate their blowout win at the Met Gala after-party co-hosted by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at the private club Zero Bond. But despite their on-court dominance, the players were denied entry because their names weren't on the guest list.
An Impenetrable Guest List
The party, held on the fifth floor of the Manhattan club, enforced an ultra-strict protocol. Though the venue can hold nearly double that number, the hosts capped attendance at just 200 people to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Neither the Knicks' local fame nor their historic playoff margin could sway the doormen. Sources confirmed that anyone not on the VIP list—or trying to bring extra guests—was turned away. Professional athletes weren't the only ones left out; several well-known entertainment figures suffered the same fate.
For Latino fans following the Knicks vs 76ers playoff schedule, the irony was hard to miss: the same players who electrify Madison Square Garden couldn't get past a bouncer.
Inside Zero Bond: A Constellation of Stars
While the rejected athletes sought refuge at other nightlife spots around the city, the party inside brimmed with glamour. Among the select attendees were Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie, Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, and tennis legend Serena Williams. The event began at 1:00 a.m. and lasted into the early hours, cementing its status as the night's epicenter after the Met red carpet.
Security was extreme: local authorities and the club's private team closed the entire block around Zero Bond to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, ensuring guest privacy and preventing leaks.
For Knicks fans, the episode serves as a reminder that even NBA stars can't buy their way into every room. As the team prepares for the next round—check out the NBA Second Round 2026 coverage—they'll have to settle for dominating the court, not the after-party scene.
Meanwhile, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter continue to make headlines. Their collaboration on the upcoming album Confessions II has fans buzzing, especially after the release of tracks like "Bring Your Love". The duo's Met Gala after-party was just the latest chapter in their growing partnership.
For the Knicks players, the night was a comical lesson in New York's social hierarchy: on the court, they're kings; at Zero Bond, they're just another name not on the list.
