Who would've thought a random controversy involving the New York Knicks would blow out of proportion in a ridiculous manner?

Leon Rose's first day as president of the Knicks on Monday was encouraging: the team upset the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden behind a career-high 27 points from R.J. Barrett.

Rose's second day has been slightly different—though maybe more representative of the job—as a uniquely Knicks-ian beef arose involving the team's most famous fan, the owner and an entrance.

To summarize the latest silliness emanating from James Dolan's enterprise: During Monday's game, longtime season-ticket holder and legendary filmmaker Spike Lee was redirected to a different entrance than usual. Spike was peeved with the alleged lack of forewarning, as well as the “Garden spin” he claims the team put on the story.

The Oscar-winner vented his frustration on ESPN's First Take Tuesday morning, and said he was “being harassed” by Dolan and was giving up his tickets for the rest of this season.

Shockingly, instead of attempting to squash the matter or explore a high road, the Knicks responded with a petty statement. “The idea that Spike Lee is a victim because we have repeatedly asked him to not use our employee entrance and instead use a dedicated VIP entrance…is laughable. It's disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama. He is welcome to come to The Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance; just not through our employee entrance, which is what he and Jim agreed to last night when they shook hands.”

 

Spike then rang up Sopan Deb of The New York Times to rebuff the team's claims. “The press release which is upsetting me is an unmitigated, bold-faced lie.”

https://twitter.com/SopanDeb/status/1234923612899074049

Lee initially said he had only briefly and tersely talked to Dolan, but had never shaken his hand. When Deb followed up with the photo of him and Dolan, Spike theorized the Knicks had staged the photo.

https://twitter.com/SopanDeb/status/1234941031076028416

If you find amusement in Knicks chaos, Sopan's Twitter feed today is truly a sight to behold.