Jalen Brunson’s Display of Sportsmanship After Knicks’ Championship Win

After the New York Knicks clinched the NBA championship this past Saturday, Jalen Brunson chose to hug one coach first. It was not his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, nor was it head coach Mike Brown. Instead, Brunson revealed that he embraced San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson, describing it as the proper move at that moment.

The NBA Finals MVP discussed his postgame decision during an appearance with his father on “CBS This Morning” with hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson. “I hugged and said what’s up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect … It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I think, win or loss, you show respect regardless of the outcome. I’ve got a lot of respect for them over there,” Brunson said.

His remarks on postgame etiquette followed a heated discussion among sports stars and analysts about whether the Spurs should have remained on the court to shake hands with the Knicks. The spotlight turned to 22-year-old Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who walked off the court rather than congratulating his opponents. Critics felt this action painted him more as a potential villain than a hero, especially with the NBA’s protective stance towards him.

Some argued that sportsmanship at this professional level is not embedded in NBA protocol. It is more commonly emphasized in youth sports like Little League. Based on this argument, Wembanyama was not obligated to stay and congratulate anyone. Nevertheless, Brunson distinguished himself as a role model. His journey from a less-celebrated second-round pick to a teammate of Luka Doncic, and eventually a star signing with the Knicks, has shown a strong character built on respect for the game and its participants.

Brunson has helped deliver the Knicks’ third overall championship. His success has made him the 6-foot-2 basketball hero New York City awaited for over five decades.