NEW YORK – James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks is an unexpected ally in Nicole Malliotakis’ battle for the 11th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The eccentric entrepreneur proceeded to direct financial support in the amount of $50,000 to Malliotakis’ campaign as a response to the condescending comments of her opponent, Max Rose, about the Knicks.

According to the New York Post, it all began when Rose, in his interview on TMZ, declared that he supports the Knicks but belittled the inability of Dolan to build a competitive team.

Rose said, “I’m a Knicks fan to the day I die, but Dolan’s gotta sell. Right now, this is an absolute disgrace. They don't make the playoffs. Nothing's happening. Every year that they don't make the playoffs, New York City loses out. We lose a piece of our soul. Sell tomorrow. Sell today. Do it for the good of all of us, brother! Look, the Knicks got to stay. Dolan's just got to sell. Drives the team into the ground, man! It's disgraceful!”

In his statements to The Post, Dolan admitted that he only previously knew a few things about Malliotakis and Rose. He thought, however, that the incumbent Congressman was using the team for political reasons.

“It’s not like we’re unaware that fans are unhappy with the Knicks performance. It’s very disrespectful to his own constituents that they would think that this is something that would help them make up their mind about who should represent them in Congress,” said Dolan.

Rose replied in a sarcastic tone that none of the things the owner of Knicks is involved with seem to go well, “Glad to see James Dolan is taking his talents to boost Nicole’s campaign. God knows he’s got the Midas touch. Never forget the Eddy Curry trade! Proud to say that I don’t take money from Corporate PACs, federal lobbyists, or worst of all — James Dolan,” The Post reported.

In any case, the words of support for Malliotakis’ campaign, which was published by MSG Sports, is expected to be very useful as the November 3 elections approach. It should be noted that the 11th District race is considered to be one of the closest in the country and both sides have released ads with an especially negative tone.