It’s always a fun sight to watch whenever the worlds of Hollywood and the NBA collide. From LeBron James stealing Kevin Hart’s drink and handing it to Drake, to RJ Barrett recognizing Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in the crowd, these wholesome moments create fond memories for both viewers and players. Unfortunately, instead of having a memorable moment like that, Jennifer Hudson would be leaving today’s New York Knicks game relieved that she didn’t suffer a full-blown player collision.

As the ongoing Knicks-Warriors matchup was still in the early stages of the 2 quarter, 24-year-old Miles “Deuce” McBride attempted to grab the ball passed in Brandin Podziemski’s direction. However, not only did he fail, but he ended up heading towards the frontcourt seats and almost colliding into Hudson!

The television host and 2007 Oscar winner covered her face as a reflex action. Fortunately, neither the player nor the actress was injured. However, Jennifer Hudson was unhappy about what happened, letting out a visibly relieved “Wow”.

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to turn up when a game is taking place at Madison Square Garden. It’s certainly not uncommon if that celebrity is Jennifer Hudson. The actress has had long ties with basketball, often turning up during Knicks matchups. She and rapper Common even reportedly sparked relationship rumors after the duo were seen courtside at a Clippers game. Common was there in this game too, attempting to protect Hudson by sticking up his head.

Before the collision, Jennifer Hudson made an impression on NBA fans after being selected as one of the performers during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. She had also performed back in 2020, during which she certainly won hearts by paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and the 8 other people who had passed away in a helicopter crash less than a month ago back then.

Given the recent collision, it’s hard to say whether the NBA experience may finally be ruined for the actress. However, considering she is a big basketball fan, she might have been aware of the danger associated with occupying courtside seats. After all, she isn’t the first person, or even the first celebrity, to almost be crushed by an NBA player——.

Which other celebrities almost had a courtside collision with an NBA player?

Before the Jennifer Hudson incident, another viral moment happened at a Knicks game itself. Back in November, during the 1st quarter of a Knicks-Bulls matchup at Madison Square Garden, Josh Giddey attempted to pass the ball to Zach LaVine. He was standing right at the edge of the court. However, OG Anunoby intercepted it. As a result, the ball headed in the direction where the audience was sitting. To make matters worse, Anunoby ran after the ball and almost collided with—wait for it—Anne Hathaway!

The ‘Interstellar’ and ‘The Princess Diaries’ star was attending the game with her younger son Jack, and would have certainly been injured if a barrier between the player and the actress hadn’t stopped Anunoby. Only some snacks spilled. Fortunately, Hathway did not seem affected, and was all smiles after the incident. Anunoby himself got back to the game, smirking.

Another celebrity who learned the valuable lesson that comes with occupying courtside seats was JoJo Siwa. Back in 2021, then-Phoenix Suns player Jae Crowder dove to catch the ball during a Suns-Lakers game. In the process, he nearly crashed into the young singer/dancer, who was sitting courtside with a friend.

Siwa later joked about the incident through an Instagram story video, stating, “Now, I just got trampled by a player. I just saw my life flash before my eyes. If I wouldn’t have ducked, oh, I would have been out [and] down for the count!” She also added, “I think I would have had a broken neck because I would have gone [backward]. It really spiced up the day.”

Granted, a courtside seat offers viewers the best experience. For next time, however, Jennifer Hudson might reconsider whether moving up a few rows would be better or not.