<
        >

          Sideline stars: Kamaru Usman, Kyler Murray, Aaron Judge among those enjoying live sports action

          • ESPN.com
          May 8, 2022, 02:20 AM

          There's much more to sporting events than what happens on the field of play. From the food to halftime acts to giveaways and more, there's something special about the environment on game days.

          The crowd is another important element that adds to the appeal of live sports, and that sentiment is especially true during the NBA playoffs and Stanley Cup playoffs.

          Read more: NBA playoffs 2022: Eye-catching outfits from the postseason

          You never know who you could bump into at these events, as some of the most passionate and well-known fans make their allegiances known, while other casual and famous spectators might also drop by to enjoy the live action.

          Here are some stars who have stood out among the crowd.

          UFC 274

          Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray took on fight night in Phoenix with a few teammates.

          UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was comfortable outside the octagon.

          Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty

          Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry showed love to fellow Barclays Center occupants the Liberty. Curry was in Philly supporting the 76ers, his former team, less than 24 hours before.

          Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm

          National Women's Soccer League and U.S. team star Megan Rapinoe was on the baseline for the Storm's season opener.

          Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 3

          The Tar Heels are well-represented in the series with Cameron Johnson, Theo Pinson and Reggie Bullock. UNC head coach Hubert Davis was in attendance

          Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was seated next to Buffalo Bills linebacker and Dallas native Von Miller.

          Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler also received a shoutout.

          Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers, Game 2

          New York's finest were in the building as Yankees stars Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu stopped by Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

          The New York Mets were also represented as longtime reliever and Mets Hall of Famer John Franco enjoyed the action.

          Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns

          Odell Beckham Jr. showed up repping a Devin Booker jersey at Game 2 of the Mavericks-Suns series in Phoenix.

          Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat

          Rapper and record executive Rick Ross was at Game 2 of the second-round playoff series in Miami between the Sixers and the Heat ... and even pulled down a rebound.

          San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

          The NFL champion Los Angeles Rams were in the building for the Dodgers' home matchup against the Giants. Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp, Nick Scott and Cam Akers showed up for the contest with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. Tennis icon Billie Jean King was also in attendance to honor the Rams.

          Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics, Game 2

          Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane usually roots for his home team the Atlanta Hawks. He even proposed to his wife, Keyshia Ka'Oir, during Kiss Cam at a Hawks game in 2016.

          The couple was front and center at TD Garden and donned Celtics-inspired outfits.

          Rapper G-Eazy was also spotted courtside.

          Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

          New Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is quickly getting acclimated in his new city.

          Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Game 2

          Ja Morant's dad, Tee Morant, has been making the rounds in the postseason and was seen with Dell Curry ahead of Game 2.

          It's unknown if he engaged in a wager with Stephen Curry's father, à la his first-round bet with Karl-Anthony Towns' father.

          Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche, Game 1

          Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was all smiles for postseason hockey.

          Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers, Game 1

          Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live's longest tenured cast member, enjoyed the playoff action at Madison Square Garden.

          Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers, Game 1

          Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat attended his second playoff game in as many days. He followed up his squad's series opener against the Philadelphia 76ers by attending the Panthers' first game against the Capitals.