Jennifer Hudson had an unexpected courtside experience during a Tuesday night New York Knicks basketball game when a loose basketball hit her on the face. The quick knock that dislodged glasses was experienced by Hudson during the viewing session with boyfriend rapper-actor Common.
The 43-year-old Hudson was sitting near the action when Knicks player Miles McBride lost his grip on the ball on a fast break. The ball flew into the stands, colliding with the star of the movie “Dreamgirls” squarely. The incident was caught on camera immediately as other fans and arena personnel rushed to see if she was injured.
Despite the surprise hit, Hudson remained with trademark poise and humor. In a viral social media clip, she is seen dismissing the incident as Common leaned to see if she was okay. Madison Square Garden spectators cheered upon seeing that she was okay.
The incident promptly triggered reactions on social networks with the followers expressing concern along with amusement about the unexpected episode.
Jennifer Hudson was hit with a basketball to the face and took it like a queen one Twitter commenter commented. Another commenter wrote: Even if she does get hit with a ball, she’s still perfect.
Memes and GIFs for the moment began doing the rounds on the internet with some users comparing it humorously to a movie slow-motion sequence. Some users also pointed out the sheer unpredictability that comes with sitting courtside for an NBA game.
Her lighthearted reply made her more endearing to the fans, many of whom praised the way she was taking the situation. Some went to the extent of wondering if the Knicks would extend an invitation to join the team’s roster for the sake of a joke.
Common’s on-and-off again girlfriend since 2022 was seen responding to the hit on the ball immediately, concerned about his girlfriend. “Man, that ball came out of the blue. But my queen is strong,” he was quoted to have said to a fan after the match.
The couple was spotted together on the sidelines during several events last year but seemed not to be fazed by the incident because they stayed to watch the match afterwards.
Hudson’s courtside mishap serves to remind us that sitting close to the action on an NBA court carries risks. While there are some fans willing to shell out top dollar for the best seats to be found, the same seats put them squarely in the path of errant balls, players diving for loose balls, and other unexpected game-related mishaps.
