Director Spike Lee skips New York Knicks’ Game 1 loss to Indiana Pacers as he attends Cannes with Denzel Washington

During the New York Knicks' tough 138–135 overtime defeat against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, their most famous superfan, Spike Lee, was missing from his regular spot courtside. Instead, he was in Cannes, France, showcasing his new film, Highest 2 Lowest, with his longtime partner Denzel Washington. Although Lee's heart was with his cherished Knicks, his love for filmmaking was the main focus on the global platform.Missing a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, Spike Lee was busy at the Cannes Film Festival promoting his movie, Highest 2 Lowest. Lee has taken Akira Kurosawa’s film High and Low and made it his own, marking this as Washington’s fifth collaboration with Lee. It takes place in modern New York and raises questions about power, influence and the differences between artists of different ages. At the premiere, Lee of South Korea presented an honorary Palme d’Or to Washington to celebrate the many years they worked together.Although he’s far away, Lee proudly displayed his loyalty to the Knicks by sporting the team’s classic blue and orange at Cannes. This dedication to his film and his team really highlights the connection between his two main passions: cinema and basketball.Back in New York, the Knicks suffered a tough loss. They were leading by 14 points with under three minutes left, and it looked like they were on their way to winning. But a few defensive errors and missed chances let the Pacers make an unbelievable comeback. Aaron Nesmith's six three-pointers in the last five minutes, including three in the final minute, played a huge role in narrowing the score. Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beater, which was initially seen as a game-winning three, was later ruled a two-pointer after review, which sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, Indiana managed to outscore New York 13-10, with Andrew Nembhard’s layup sealing the victory.This collapse was monumental; it was the first instance in 27 seasons where a team leading by 14 or more points with under 2:50 left lost a playoff game, breaking a long-standing 970-0 record.Despite outstanding efforts from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who totaled 78 points, the Knicks were unable to stop the Pacers' comeback.Also Read: Michael Jordan’s reported $40 million NBC salary debunkedEveryone at Madison Square Garden missed Spike Lee, but it’s obvious how much he cares about basketball and his team. The Knicks are determined to regain their momentum for Game 2 following their big defeat. Nobody wants Lee’s return more than fans and the players, who believe it could bring the team’s playoff hopes back to life.