New York City celebrates the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years
After a 53-year wait, the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship, sparking celebrations across New York City. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manhattan for a historic ticker-tape parade that turned a Thursday workday into an impromptu holiday as the city honored its victorious team.
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There are levels to everything, even when you are a professional athlete.
Just look at what happened when Jalen Brunson, an NBA champion with the New York Knicks, and Michael Porter Jr., who plays for the Brooklyn Nets across town, arrived at a venue in a video that has since gone viral.
Brunson, who was with his wife, Ali, happened to arrive at a World Cup after-party hosted by Justin Bieber in New York City at the same time as Michael Porter Jr., who was with his former Denver Nuggets teammate Peyton Watson.
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New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr. had two different experiences at a nightclub in New York City. (Getty)
Porter may make more than Brunson per season ($40.8 million per season compared to $37.7 million), but the latter has achieved the ultra-rare “King of New York” status.
That means Brunson and his wife don’t have to wait in line or make sure they’re on a guest list when they arrive anywhere. Porter, on the other hand, had to do just that.
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The video shows Porter and Watson, both champions in their own right after winning the 2023 NBA title with the Nuggets, checking in at the front door of the venue.
Meanwhile, the Brunson couple walked right through the front door when camera flashes lit up the area instantly.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks rides Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at the Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Denver Post)
“Mr. Brunson, how are you?” said the security guard at the front door of the NBA Finals MVP.
In New York history, playing for the Knicks carries some weight compared to being in Brooklyn with the Nets. First, the Knicks are the more iconic franchise that plays in “The Mecca” that is Madison Square Garden. The history, the rabid fans and, of course, this special group led by Brunson, who won the first title in 53 years, have electrified the city more than the Nets have.
The Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012, and while they’ve had some teams with solid NBA All-Stars since then, they’re never expected to overtake the percentage of Knicks fans in the five boroughs.
The Nets have been in rebuilding mode for the past three seasons, including Porter Jr.’s first during the 2025-26 campaign with Brooklyn. While he enjoyed career highs in points (24.2 per game) and assists (3), the team went 20-62 to finish third-to-last in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson, his wife Ali Marks and their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, are seen at the New York Knicks ticker tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes on June 18, 2026 in New York City. (GC images)
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Porter Jr. and Watson had no problem getting in after checking with the guest list coordinator, but the Knicks vs. Nets comparison got its latest topic of debate.
