Jalen Brunson wins Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete at 2026 ESPYs

Jalen Brunson made it a double ESPY night on Wednesday, walking off with two major honors at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York.

What happened at the 2026 ESPYs?

Brunson, the New York Knicks floor general, accepted the **Best Championship Performance** award first, then returned later to claim **Best Athlete-Men’s Sports**. The Knicks, named **Best Team**, closed a 51-year title drought with their first championship since 1973. Host Marcello Hernandez opened the show at the David H. Koch Theater, and Brunson closed it by sharing the stage with his teammates for the final trophy.

How did Brunson perform in the Finals?

Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals over the six-game Finals run. He backed that up with a 26.0-point, 6.8-assist regular season for the 53-29 Knicks. In his first speech, he thanked family, coaches, and teammates, saying, “I am forever indebted to them, thank you.”

Why these awards matter for Brunson’s legacy

The back-to-back ESPYs cement Brunson’s 2025-26 season as one of the most dominant two-way campaigns in recent NBA history. His Finals scoring average ranks among the highest ever in a title-clinching series, and his leap from steady All-Star to championship leader has redefined his career arc. The hardware also underscores the Knicks’ rise under his leadership.

What’s next for Brunson and the Knicks?

With the hardware in hand, Brunson and the Knicks turn toward defending their title. Free agency opens next month, and early reports suggest New York will chase another All-NBA guard to pair with Brunson’s playmaking. The 2026-27 roster will aim to reload, not rebuild, after ending the franchise’s longest championship drought.