Jalen Brunson’s summer after delivering the Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years has kept rolling well beyond Madison Square Garden. Three months after taking NBA Finals MVP honors, the New York guard showed up in the opening film for the 78th Emmy Awards, sharing the screen with host Mariska Hargitay in a Knicks-heavy bit built around the pressure of a big night.
Jalen Brunson brings Knicks references to the Emmys
Brunson and Hargitay appeared in a prerecorded segment before the ceremony, with Brunson pressing his blue Knicks jersey while Hargitay prepared her dress. Hargitay asked whether he had experienced the feeling of millions watching when everything hinges on one night. Brunson, the NBA Finals mark visible on the back of his jersey, gave her a stunned look and answered, “Seriously?”
The joke landed because Hargitay had been around the Knicks throughout their championship run. A committed courtside presence at the Garden, she went viral after New York erased a 29-point hole in Game 4 of the Finals, first frozen in disbelief and then embracing OG Anunoby on the floor. Anunoby’s deciding tip-in completed that comeback, and Hargitay worked the play into the Emmy opener, saying she did not have a teammate available to finish one at the rim for her.
Hargitay eventually left Brunson to his jersey work, saying she had no time to stay and steam clothes. Later in the introduction, she delivered another Knicks wink while mentioning “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson, telling viewers to “catch another Brunson nail the shot.”
The crossover is not finished. Hargitay has said an appearance by Brunson on “Law & Order: SVU” is being planned and that it will happen. The two have developed a friendship during New York’s title push, with Hargitay also joining Brunson’s float during the Knicks’ championship parade.
Brunson’s television calendar is already filling. He is scheduled to host the Season 52 premiere of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 26, putting him alongside Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and LeBron James as the only NBA players to host the sketch show.
The three-time All-Star has previously made several WWE appearances, including one in July. He has been involved in WWE storylines with Roman Reigns, a wrestler Brunson has referenced in Knicks press conferences, and with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Brunson is also set to release a children’s book, “Jalen Plays It All,” in November.
SEO Title: Jalen Brunson Joins Mariska Hargitay in Emmy Awards Opening
SEO Description: Knicks Finals MVP Jalen Brunson appeared with Mariska Hargitay in the Emmy Awards opener, with more TV work on the way including Saturday Night Live and Law & Order: SVU.
