When Anne Hathaway stepped onto The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, she wasn't just promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2—she was also making a bold fashion statement about her favorite basketball team. The Oscar-winning actress, a self-proclaimed New York Knicks superfan, revealed she had considered wearing an OG Anunoby jersey to the show. "I'm very chill, I'm very loving and calm, but I'm also the type of fan who considered wearing an OG's jersey out here today," she told Fallon with a smile.
Little did anyone know, that offhand comment would spark what fans are now calling the "Anne Hathaway effect." Just hours after her appearance, the 28-year-old forward delivered a performance that had Madison Square Garden buzzing and social media erupting. Anunoby exploded for 26 points in the first half alone, setting an electric tone that helped the Knicks build an astonishing 83-36 lead by halftime. The game was effectively over before the third quarter began, sealing a commanding Game 6 win and punching New York's ticket to the conference semifinals.
The timing was too perfect to ignore. Knicks fans quickly connected the dots between Hathaway's shoutout and Anunoby's red-hot start. On X, one fan joked, "No wonder he's cooking right now," while another added, "Yeah, he definitely saw this." A third chimed in, "Thank you, Anne Hathaway, for summoning something." The actress's fandom had seemingly become a lucky charm—one that Knicks supporters hope will carry over into the semifinals.
For Anunoby, the performance was a statement. Acquired earlier this season in a blockbuster trade, the forward has been a defensive anchor and an increasingly reliable scorer. But this game showcased his full arsenal—smooth drives, timely three-pointers, and relentless energy on both ends. It was the kind of night that reminds everyone why he's become a fan favorite in New York.
As the Knicks prepare for their next playoff challenge, all eyes will be on whether the "Anne Hathaway effect" continues. One thing is certain: Hathaway's love for the team has already made her a beloved figure in the Garden's stands. If her magic touch keeps working, she might just become the team's most famous good-luck charm since Spike Lee.