Jennifer Hudson‘s night out at Madison Square Garden took an unexpected turn when a stray basketball hurtled toward her, leading to a chaotic moment involving her boyfriend, rapper and actor Common. Despite his best intentions to protect her, his attempt to shield the award-winning singer ended up adding to the mishap, making for a dramatic courtside incident.
A Front-Row Seat to the Action—And the Danger!
Hudson, 42, and Common, 51, were enjoying an electrifying game between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. The couple, who recently made their romance public, took their seats in the exclusive celebrity row, a prime spot for high-profile guests to enjoy the game up close. However, sitting courtside comes with its own risks, as the multi-talented star learned firsthand.
The Moment That Left Jennifer Hudson Stunned
During the second quarter of the game, Knicks guard Miles McBride attempted to steal the ball near the sideline but lost control. The loose ball flew directly toward Hudson at high speed. In a split-second reaction, Common reached out to block the ball, but instead of successfully deflecting it, he accidentally struck Hudson in the face!
For a brief moment, the “Dreamgirls” actress looked visibly startled, wincing as both the impact of the ball and Common’s unintended swipe caught her off guard. To make matters worse, McBride’s momentum carried him straight into Hudson just moments after the ball hit her, intensifying the chaotic scene.
Jennifer Hudson Reacts with Grace
Despite the dramatic sequence, Hudson, ever the professional, handled the incident with remarkable composure. Though she initially appeared to be in some discomfort, she quickly shook it off, reassuring Common and the surrounding crowd that she was fine. Fans seated nearby watched in concern, but the EGOT-winning performer flashed a smile shortly afterward, indicating she wasn’t seriously hurt.
A Star-Studded Knicks Game Experience
Aside from the accidental courtside clash, Hudson had an otherwise enjoyable night at the iconic arena. She was spotted chatting with legendary filmmaker and Knicks superfan Spike Lee, soaking in the high-energy atmosphere of the game. While the Knicks ultimately suffered a loss to the Warriors, the thrilling performance by NBA superstar Stephen Curry—who racked up 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists—kept the crowd entertained.
Courtside Chaos: Not the First Time
Jennifer Hudson isn’t the only A-lister to face unexpected on-court drama at Madison Square Garden this season. Back in November, Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway narrowly avoided injury when New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby nearly crashed into her seats during a heated moment in a game.
Celebrities sitting courtside enjoy unparalleled access to the action, but as Hudson’s experience proves, they also need to stay on high alert. From errant passes to full-body collisions, the risks of sitting in the front row are real.
Head on a Swivel!
Fans on social media had a field day reacting to the incident, with some jokingly advising Hudson to “keep her head on a swivel” next time she attends a game. Others playfully praised Common for his “heroic but failed” effort to save his girlfriend from the rogue basketball.
Despite the minor mishap, Hudson and Common appeared to take it all in stride, proving that even a little courtside chaos won’t keep them from enjoying their date nights. One thing’s for sure—next time, they’ll be more prepared for any unexpected game-time surprises!
