After 53 years, the wait is finally over. But before Jalen Brunson could dive into the celebration, he had a few things to take care of.
He handled everything with his usual approach—graceful and humble, embodying that champion spirit.
Once the final buzzer announced the Knicks’ 94-90 win over the Spurs on Saturday night at Frostbank Center—securing their first championship since 1973—Brunson made his way off the bench to greet Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. They shook hands, and amidst the cheering crowd, Brunson remained composed, prioritizing sportsmanship.
It was only when his father, Rick, placed a hand on his shoulder that the reality of the victory truly sank in for him. It became clear what was achieved by him and the Knicks.
“I turned around and my dad was there. From that point, I got emotional,” Brunson recalled. “I just remembered Josh.” [Hart] whispered encouragement, saying, “You did it!” That’s when the emotions really hit him hard, but soon after, excitement took over.
And that’s where the real celebration began.
Things escalated quickly. Soon, Ariel Hukporti emerged as the festival’s MVP, and Jeremy Sochan’s shirt came off, marking the start of wild festivities, while Coach Mike Brown humorously shouted, “Who let the dog out?!”
By the time the media filtered into the Knicks’ locker room, it resembled the aftermath of a college party—sticky floors, empty bottles of Michelob Ultra, Moët & Chandon champagne, and Patrón tequila scattered about, alongside lingering cigar smoke. Players and coaches mingled throughout the space, some cradling their kids, while others enjoyed drinks. Ben Stiller was seen clenching a whiteboard souvenir given to Brown, protecting it as if it were treasure.
This team maintained intense focus throughout the playoffs, almost ignoring the unprecedented lead they’d established, fixated instead on a mantra of “0-0”.
It felt like a monumental weight had been lifted off everyone’s shoulders.
“People don’t really grasp the weight of that jersey, the expectations, the pressure. We don’t often talk about it,” Hart remarked. “And today, at this moment, I’ve never felt lighter.”
The most lively seemed to be a few who hardly saw the court—Hukporti, Sochan, Mohamed Diawara, and Pakhom Dadiet. They crashed the press conferences, took playful half-court shots with the championship ball, and teased their teammates about needing more party time over family time.
While Mikal Bridges spoke, Hukporti made his presence known, repeatedly emphasizing, “Forget about their picks!” directing his remarks at critics of the Knicks’ trade to acquire Bridges.
“I have something to say,” Hukporti declared. “Are you still with me? Regarding those picks—guess what? We’re sticking around—look at him now, he’s a champion! Everyone doubted us, but that’s not going to change now. Forget their picks!”
OG Anunoby, the star of Game 4, sported sunglasses and a serious demeanor, while Karl-Anthony Towns, bearing the Larry O’Brien Trophy, affectionately dubbed him “Mr. Aura.”
Yet, Towns also took a moment to honor his late mother, who had passed during the pandemic, and acknowledged his father’s unwavering support.
“Shout out to him and my mom,” Towns said. “There were times my mom doubted me, but my pops believed we could create something special.”
Meanwhile, Sochan commandeered the Knicks’ social media cameras, trailing Hart. The two engaged in their usual banter about Arsenal and Chelsea. Hart, exasperated, ultimately begged Sochan to just let him be.
And as the day wrapped up, it echoed the very beginning, with Brunson embodying the character of both himself and the Knicks.
When he stood at the podium, he pondered aloud, “Am I allowed to be myself or do I stick to the script?”
He opted for authenticity. He could have taken a shot at Becky Hammon’s now-notorious comment doubting his potential to lead a title-winning team. That would’ve been a satisfying moment for him.
“I didn’t respond then, and I have no intention of doing so now,” Brunson stated.
The celebration felt freeing, but true to their identity, the Knicks preferred to let their performance speak for itself.
