New York City celebrates Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years
After a 53-year wait, the New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship, sparking celebrations throughout New York City. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manhattan for a historic parade, turning a Thursday weekday into a spontaneous holiday as the city honored its victorious team.
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There are levels for everything, even when you are a professional athlete.
Just look at what happened when Jalen Brunson, NBA champion with the New York Knicks, and Michael Porter Jr., star of the Brooklyn Nets across town, arrived at a location in a video that has since gone viral.
Brunson, who was with his wife, Ali, arrived 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 New York City nightclub. (GETTY)
Porter may earn 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 need 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, needing to register at the front door of the venue.
Meanwhile, the Brunson couple walked through the front door, as camera flashes immediately illuminated the area.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks drives past Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Denver Post)
“Mr. Brunson, how are you?” “The security guard at the front door said to the NBA Finals MVP.
In New York lore, playing for the Knicks carries some weight compared to being in Brooklyn with the Nets. On the one hand, the Knicks are the most iconic franchise and play in “Mecca”, which is Madison Square Garden. The history, the rabid fans and, of course, this particular group led by Brunson winning the first title in 53 years, have electrified the city more than the Nets.
The Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012, and while they’ve had some teams with solid NBA stars since then, they’re never expected to surpass 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 second 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 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 consulting with the guest list coordinator, but the comparison between the Knicks and Nets got its latest talking point.
