The New York Knicks are in full celebration mode after winning the 2026 NBA championship on Saturday vs the San Antonio Spurs. On Monday, the Knicks went on a press tour to various television shows around New York City, including ESPN’s First Take.
Jalen Brunson hopped in the studio to chat it up with ESPN sports media personality Stephen A. Smith during the appearance, and Smith took the opportunity to apologize directly to the Knicks star for doubting him previously.
“In his own way, he reminds me of this every time. It’s automatic… national television, I owe this man an apology. I am grateful for what you have done for this city, what y’all have done for this city, and you won’t be hearing any more doubts from me, my brother,” said Smith, per First Take on X, formerly Twitter.
“We’ll see about that,” responded Brunson with a smile.
Brunson is no stranger to being underestimated, having fallen to the second round in the 2018 NBA Draft. Even when he signed with the Knicks in free agency back in 2022, some were wondering if he was a legitimate franchise changer, or simply a nice piece.
Brunson wasted little time in answering that question, quickly getting the Knicks back on deep playoff runs consistently since his arrival, and now, the front office has finally put together a strong team around him, resulting in the franchise’s first championship since the 1973 season.
Adding icing to the cake is the fact that the Knicks figure to bring back essentially the same core of players next year, and now have some championship pedigree to lean back on.
In any case, the Knicks’ celebration will continue on Thursday with a parade through the streets of Manhattan.
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