Knicks' Jalen Brunson explains postgame hug after NBA Finals Game 5

· Yahoo Sports

After the New York Knicks captured the NBA championship this past Saturday, Jalen Brunson chose to hug one coach first, and it wasn’t his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, or head coach Mike Brown.

Instead, Brunson revealed that he went over and hugged San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson because it was the proper thing to do in the moment.

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The NBA Finals MVP told Gayle King and Nate Burleson about his postgame decision while appearing alongside his father on “CBS This Morning” on Wednesday.

“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 shared.

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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 13: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Brunson’s comments about postgame etiquette come after days of sports stars and analysts on television and social media debating whether the Spurs should’ve stuck around to shake hands and congratulate the Knicks.

In particular, many individuals criticized 22-year-old Spurs star Victor Wembanyama for walking off the court rather than showing respect for his opponents. Many suggested it was a bad look for someone the NBA has seemingly been protective of and who is starting to look like more of a villain than a hero.

Some contended that it’s not part of the official protocol or rules for the NBA and that showing sportsmanship is more necessary to teach kids in Little League or elementary school sports. Based on that argument, Wemby didn’t need to stick around or congratulate anyone.

However, Brunson has shown himself to be a strong role model who rose from an obscure second-round pick to Luka Doncic’s teammate to a star free agent signing with the Knicks. The way he was raised helped shape a strong mindset and one who respects the game and his opponents.

He’s since delivered the franchise’s third overall championship, making him the 6-foot-2 guard the massive basketball hero New York City had been waiting for over 50 years.

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