Knicks Struggling Since Mayor’s Inaugural Address
The New York Knicks have not been able to secure a win since Mayor Zoran Mamdani highlighted star point guard Jalen Brunson in his inaugural address on January 1st.
On Monday, the Knicks faced a 121-90 defeat against the Detroit Pistons, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Their season had begun with a narrow two-point setback against the San Antonio Spurs on December 31st. Mamdani made his remarks shortly after, but since then, the team’s record has fallen to 0-3, including losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and the struggling Atlanta Hawks.
Various users on social media, including comedian Michael Rapaport, have pointed out that the Knicks haven’t won since Mamdani’s mention.
About nine minutes into his January 1 speech, Mamdani stated that “excellence is no longer the exception,” emphasizing that the city “expects greatness” from “the point guard of Madison Square Garden.” In a memorable moment, the mayor seemed to mimic Brunson’s celebratory gestures, though it quickly turned into him wiping his face.
This moment was widely shared online, with some Knicks fans appreciating the acknowledgment, while others across the city criticized Mamdani’s democratic socialist agenda.
Shortly after taking office, Mayor Mamdani also chose to intervene in bankruptcy cases, targeting landlords.
Former Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Manno was among the critics, suggesting that Brunson would “hate” the mayor for how his policies might impact contracts.
On a lighter note, some users commended the mayor’s gestures during his speech.
Brunson received 27 write-in votes during the recent election. Back in October, Fox News Digital reported that the Knicks had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Mamdani’s campaign due to his use of a logo resembling the team’s in an advertisement.
Mamdani had shared this logo on Instagram with a caption that celebrated New York, but it has since been taken down.
The Knicks responded by asserting they do not support Mamdani’s candidacy. They stated, “The New York Knicks have sent a cease-and-desist letter to New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani over his use of the New York Knicks logo to promote his candidacy. We will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights.”
