It’s no secret that Timothe Chalamet and Adam Sandler are genuine basketball fans. Both have been spotted enjoying the sport over the years, and both are well-known supporters of the New York Knicks. A recent video only reinforced that connection, showing that while they have a feel for the game and solid fundamentals, skill doesn’t always translate into consistent shooting.
That balance between technique and results was on display during their visit to Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. The actors were there to speak with students about acting, sharing insights from their careers. What began as a classroom-style visit quickly turned into something more competitive once they stepped onto the court.
Adam Sandler takes in an NBA basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks
From Hollywood advice to a real game
The visit ended with a two-on-two basketball game against a pair of lucky students who got the chance to share the floor with two major Hollywood figures. Sandler and Chalamet looked comfortable handling the ball and moving around the court, clearly showing that basketball is part of their routine. Still, the shots weren’t falling, and the students took advantage early.
The moment didn’t take long to spread online. The video went viral as viewers noticed the contrast: the actors’ technique was there, but the shooting touch wasn’t. The students built a lead, and Sandler was even seen shaking his head after one basket, a small reaction that made the moment even more memorable for those watching.
Pressure on the court
Despite their frequent street basketball runs, facing younger players with something to prove may have added unexpected pressure for the movie stars.
Both actors are New Yorkers, and their connection to the Knicks runs deep. Chalamet, in particular, is a known superfan who attended several games and was especially visible during the team’s 2025 playoff run, which ended in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Sandler’s basketball ties also extend beyond fandom. He recently starred in Hustle, the Netflix basketball drama in which he played an NBA scout who discovers a talented player in Spain, further cementing his association with the sport.
Chalamet and Sandler didn’t leave with a win on the court, but they delivered a moment the students won’t forget-one where enthusiasm and a love for basketball.
