Mike Browns Knicks adjustments include newfound celebrity pals

Sunday marked a full-circle moment for Mike Brown.One day before Game 3 at Madison Square Garden — the first NBA Finals game at The World’s Most Famous Arena since 1999 — Brown was asked about his first experience at the arena as Knicks head coach.“I was like, holy crap, I can’t believe this is where I’m going to be coaching,” Brown said.“The biggest thing was when I got to the bench where we sit, and I kind of turned and looked at the crowd; I saw my wife and family, like, three rows back, I was like, dang, thanks, Mr.

Dolan; that’s pretty nice.“Just obviously the building, but more importantly when you get in and you look, for me, I see my family right there, then obviously all the stars.It makes it feel different than almost any other building you’ve been in.”Brown’s relationship with those stars has grown from that moment to Monday, which was expected to be one of the most star-studded and electric atmospheres in New York City history.For starters, there was a time his wife, Carolyn, was too starstruck to approach Ben Stiller.“Ben Stiller was over there,” Brown said earlier this postseason.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met Ben, but he was over there, and she was like, ‘Ben’s over there.’ I was like, ‘Go get a picture.I’m sure he’ll take a picture with you.’ [She was like], ‘No, I can’t do it.’ ”Fast-forward to Sunday.

Stiller was in attendance at Knicks practice, filming as much content as he could.Brown said Sunday was when he first officially met Stiller.As Brown walked off the podium following his press conference, he embraced Stiller and the two sent a message to Carolyn.

They looked like two peas in a pod.“When you see him next time, approach him,” Brown said with his arm around Stiller.“He’s gonna take a picture with you.”Another celebrity was in attendance at Brown’s press conference: Fat Joe.

Brown has become tight with the rapper this year, sharing what he describes as a friendship.M...