Looks like Kate Upton has a thing for athletes.
The bikini babe – whose been linked to MLB players Justin Verlander and Mark Sanchez – got really close to Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin at Lower East Side hotspot Beauty & Essex last night.
A source spilled to Page Six that the 24-year-old high-flying hoopster showed up to meet a group of friends around 10:30 p.m. wearing a navy blue and white button down shirt and salmon colored pants. Upton, 20, showed up an hour later in skinny jeans, a nice top and heels to join the group.
“The entire party looked like they were all having a great time in each other’s company – specifically Upton and Griffin who were very cozy with each other,” the source added.
The party downed shots of Don Julio and enjoyed chille relleno empanadas, lobster tacos and charred shishito peppers.