The New York Knicks are known to have one of the tightest groups in the NBA, especially among the team’s Villanova alumni. The squad’s unique bond was on full display tonight after New York’s overtime win against the Washington Wizards. The game was highlighted by a 55-point masterclass from Jalen Brunson, which earned him plenty of attention from fellow Knicks players.
When the All-Star guard was interviewed on the court after the dominant performance, a reporter asked him about all the love he had received from his fellow players. As Karl-Anthony Towns walked past JB and shouted “yes sir,” the Knicks guard couldn’t resist making a joke to his running mates.
“I don’t like my teammates at all. They really annoy the hell out of me,’ Brunson said with a straight face.
Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, all college teammates and national champions with the Villanova Wildcats, have shown their brotherly bond this season with constant toasting and joking. While it may seem unusual to some, the trio has made it clear that the playful banter and lighthearted teasing is part of what makes them so close. Brunson and Hart have even been known to take their silliness one step further Housemates podcast, which gives a more personal perspective on their friendship.
However, the mischief doesn’t stop with the Knicks’ Villanova trio. During the same interview, Pidto had to stop the six-year veteran from chasing after Miles McBride, who delivered a solid blow to Brunson’s backside.
While the team is known for trading friendly blows, Brunson’s Knicks teammates haven’t hidden their admiration for the MVP candidate. In another locker room interview, the former Maverick was interrupted again before he could think properly. “I looked up the scoreboard and it says 50-something––” Brunson said before he was abruptly interrupted by bleating sounds in the background.
“BAAAAA,” his teammates imitated the cry of a goat to indicate that the veteran playmaker was the ‘greatest of all time’.
Jalen Brunson “I looked up the scoreboard and it says 50-something–”
Outside camera “BAAAAA”
Steve Popper “…4th Quarter and Overtime––”
Outside camera “BAAAA”
Jalen “…Gotta give them credit––”
Off camera “BAAAAAAA”
pic.twitter.com/ChR4zJjPYg
— New York basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 29, 2024
The ruckus continued as Brunson tried to give credit to the Wizards, who were surprisingly tough against the 22-10 Knicks despite being in the cellar of the Eastern Conference. Washington was able to keep up with New York despite entering the game as a double-digit underdog and even leading for much of the first quarter. The game remained close throughout, but after only 13 points in the first half, Brunson took over and scorched the net en route to 43 points between the second half and overtime.