Naturally, as a dad, New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson wasn’t happy seeing his son, Jalen, get into an altercation with De’Aaron Fox.
During an interview with the father-son duo for Good Morning America (GMA), Rick was asked if “dad or coach” was running to get involved in the scuffle.
EXCLUSIVE: @ReeveWill speaks with Knicks star Jalen Brunson and his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player and current Knicks assistant coach, about the game, the Finals, and their relationship on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/ZGSHOIrdPV
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 8, 2026
“I’m always gonna be a father first,” he said, before clarifying, “but, at the end of the day, if it was any other player I’d do the same.”
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and De’Aaron Fox’s altercation during the NBA Finals
In the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs, Brunson and Fox began exchanging words during a dead ball.
It didn’t appear Brunson said much, as he stared at Fox as he chirped at him. Mikal Bridges eventually intervened, trying to separate them. Eventually, Brunson walked away, avoiding any potential technical foul. His father eventually ran down the court, also exchanging words with Fox.
JALEN BRUNSON AND DE’AARON FOX FACE TO FACE HERE WE GO. pic.twitter.com/9n4n4d6kjN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 6, 2026
Ultimately, Fox’s efforts to rattle the Knicks’ captain were all for nothing. The Spurs didn’t win, even though they came back from being down by 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Fox was a big part of the comeback, scoring 20 points and making 66% of his shots. He made both of his three-pointers, and he chipped away at New York’s lead.
The game would end after Fox made a pass to Victor Wembanyama on the last play. If Wemby made it, the Spurs would’ve won. However, the shot didn’t go, and San Antonio is down 2-0 in the NBA Finals.
Fox is in the midst of his first full season with the Spurs. He was traded to San Antonio during the 2024-25 NBA season. The two-time NBA All-Star has an opportunity to win his first-ever championship in his first year with San Antonio.
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