Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby Celebrate Knicks Title

New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby opened up about their championship journey and unforgettable celebrations during a special appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Knicks Champions Take Over The Tonight Show

June 16, 2026: Fresh off delivering the New York Knicks their first NBA championship in 53 years, Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and teammate OG Anunoby joined Jimmy Fallon on a special championship edition of The Tonight Show. Alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and other members of the organization, the players reflected on their historic season and revealed some of the quirky rituals that helped fuel their title run.

The episode marked a celebration decades in the making for Knicks fans. Host Jimmy Fallon, a lifelong supporter of the franchise, welcomed the team to a jubilant audience that included Knicks president Leon Rose and celebrity superfan Spike Lee. Wu-Tang Clan also made a special appearance during the festivities.

Image Credit: Rosalind O’Connor/NBC

Jalen Brunson Revealed His Surprising Pregame Music Choice

During the interview, Brunson shared one of the unexpected secrets behind his preparation.

The NBA Finals MVP admitted that Justin Bieber’s music often helps him lock in before games. While some fans expected intense rap playlists or motivational speeches, Brunson revealed that Bieber’s songs help put him in the right mindset before taking the court.

Brunson also reflected on the emotional aftermath of the championship-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs. One of the first people he embraced after the final buzzer was his father, Rick Brunson, who serves as an assistant coach for the Knicks.

According to Brunson, sharing the moment with his father made the achievement even more meaningful.

OG Anunoby Explained His Iconic Game 4 Heroics

One of the most memorable moments of the NBA Finals came during Game 4 when Anunoby tipped in a missed shot in the final seconds to secure a dramatic victory.

On The Tonight Show, the forward revealed that he had originally intended to dunk the ball but quickly adjusted when he realized he couldn’t get high enough.

“I was trying to dunk it, but couldn’t,” Anunoby explained. “So I just tried to touch it and make the shot.”

That play became one of the defining moments of the Finals and helped propel the Knicks toward their historic championship.

Despite the significance of the shot, Anunoby admitted he didn’t spend much time celebrating because his focus quickly shifted to preparing for the next game.

Karl-Anthony Towns Shared His Lucky Charm

Another surprising revelation came from Karl-Anthony Towns.

The star center joked that fiancée Jordyn Woods’ orange handbag had become something of a lucky charm during the postseason. According to Towns, the bag seemed to bring positive energy whenever it was nearby.

Towns also spoke emotionally about his late mother, Jackie, who passed away in 2020. He credited her influence for shaping his values and teaching him about unconditional love.

For Towns, winning the championship represented not only a professional accomplishment but also a tribute to his family’s support.

The Championship Brought Joy to New York

The Knicks captured the title with a 94-90 victory over the Spurs in Game 5, ending a 53-year championship drought. The victory instantly transformed New York City into a sea of celebration.

Fans gathered throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond as thousands poured into the streets to celebrate one of the most anticipated championships in franchise history.

Celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, and Mariska Hargitay also publicly celebrated the historic achievement.

For many fans, the title represented generations of hope finally being rewarded.

A Lavish Victory Party Followed

Following their return to New York, the team held an exclusive celebration at Flyfish Club.

Players including Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and Towns enjoyed a night featuring caviar, premium champagne, specialty desserts, and a performance by rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.

The party continued into the early morning hours and served as the perfect homecoming after securing the franchise’s first championship since 1973.

Jimmy Fallon Played a Role in the Celebration

Fallon himself became part of the story.

During the episode, the Knicks honored the host’s “lucky shoe,” which had become something of a running joke among fans throughout the playoffs. The shoe was ceremoniously raised into the rafters of The Tonight Show studio in a playful tribute to the magical season.

Fallon called the special episode “a booking 53 years in the making,” capturing the excitement felt throughout New York.

Image Credit: Youtube

Social Media Loved the Players’ Candid Stories

Fans quickly embraced the lighter moments shared during the show.

Clips featuring Brunson’s Justin Bieber confession and Anunoby’s explanation of his game-winning tip-in spread across Instagram, TikTok, and X. Many viewers praised the players for their humility and humor.

Others appreciated seeing the stars reveal their personalities away from the basketball court.

The appearance further strengthened the bond between the team and its passionate fanbase.

What We Know So Far

Several details from the celebration are confirmed.

Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to celebrate the Knicks’ championship victory. Brunson discussed his pregame playlist, while Anunoby reflected on his famous Game 4 tip-in.

The team also celebrated with a lavish victory party in New York following the championship.

Why This Championship Means So Much

For Knicks fans, the title represents more than just basketball.

Entire generations had grown up hearing stories about the franchise’s glory years without witnessing a championship themselves. The 2026 title changed that narrative and created memories that fans will cherish forever.

For Brunson and Anunoby, the championship validated years of hard work and cemented their places in New York sports history.

Image Credit: Youtube

Final Thoughts

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby’s appearance on The Tonight Show gave fans an inside look at the personalities behind the championship.

From Justin Bieber playlists to unforgettable buzzer-beaters, the stars showed that chemistry, preparation, and a little luck helped bring a title back to New York after more than five decades.

FAQs

Q1. Why are Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby trending?

They are trending after celebrating the Knicks’ NBA championship on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Q2. What did Jalen Brunson reveal about his pregame routine?

Brunson said he listens to Justin Bieber before games.

Q3. What did OG Anunoby say about his Game 4 shot?

He explained that he initially tried to dunk the ball but settled for a tip-in when he couldn’t reach the rim.

Q4. How long had it been since the Knicks won a championship?

The 2026 title ended a 53-year championship drought.

Q5. Who joined the players on The Tonight Show?

Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Jimmy Fallon, and Wu-Tang Clan were part of the celebration.

Q6. What lucky charm did Karl-Anthony Towns mention?

He joked that Jordyn Woods’ orange handbag brought good luck.

Q7. Where did the team hold its victory party?

The Knicks celebrated at Flyfish Club in New York City.

Q8. What made the championship especially emotional for Brunson?

He said sharing the moment with his father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, made the victory even more meaningful.