Elmo may be a native New Yorker, but he’s still got some things to learn about NYC culture.
The “Sesame Street” character made a faux pas when, on the first day of the NBA finals, he posted on X, “Elmo hopes both teams have fun!” followed by three basketball emojis.
“But Elmo,” you’re probably thinking. “Your home team, the New York Knicks, is playing in the NBA finals for the first time since 1999. Surely you should be rooting for your own team!” And you’d be right to think that. New Yorkers are so invested in the NBA finals that Mayor Mamdani signed an executive order repealing children’s bedtimes so they can stay up to watch the games.
Knicks fans made their feelings known in the comments of Elmo’s post. “This isn’t the time for sportsmanship Elmo. These streets ain’t sesame,” one user wrote. Another posted, “Elmo, you’re from NYC, little buddy. It’s okay to root for the Knicks.” Brands even started weighing in, with the Wendy’s account writing, “NOT NOW ELMO.”
At least Elmo had the good sense to walk back his post. On Thursday, he wrote, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!”
It’s a little late, Elmo, but we’ll take it.
All NBA Final games will air live on ABC and will be available to stream on the ESPN App. Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET Friday night.
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