Jalen Brunson Explains Why Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Was 1st Person He Approached When Knicks Won Title
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- Jalen Brunson, named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP, led the New York Knicks to a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, scoring 45 points in the closeout game.
- Before celebrating with his father and teammates, Brunson showed sportsmanship by first approaching Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson to express respect.
- Brunson emphasized the importance of respect regardless of the game's outcome, reflecting his upbringing and values.
- Most Spurs players left the court immediately after the game without shaking hands, but Brunson chose to honor his opponents before celebrating.
- After paying respect to Coach Johnson, Brunson shared an emotional moment embracing his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.
