Jalen Brunson Wins Big at 2026 ESPYs, Takes Jabs at Nepotism

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks star, took home three ESPYs on Wednesday, including Best NBA Player and Best Championship Performance, after leading the team to a championship last month. The 2026 Finals MVP was also the subject of a joke about nepotism from comedian Marcello Hernandez.

What happened?

The comedian, Marcello Hernandez, took a shot at Brunson with his comment about nepotism. Brunson's father, Rick Brunson, works for the Knicks as an assistant coach, and they were the subject of one of Hernandez's jabs. Hernandez said, "A lot of young players have also hit the scene. Bronny James, LeBron James' son, is in the NBA now; Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders' son, is in the NFL; and Jalen Brunson, Rick Brunson's son, got to win an NBA title with his dad as the coach. Which proves that nepotism, like most things, is way cooler when a Black guy does it."

Why it matters for Jalen Brunson

Brunson's response to the joke was to laugh about the punchline and be in good spirits. The Knicks star received recognition for his exceptional year at the awards ceremony, winning the 'Best NBA Player' and the 'Best Championship Performance' awards. He also earned the 'Best Championship Performance' award.

What comes next?

Brunson was appreciative of everyone who helped him lead the Knicks to a championship. During his acceptance speech, he spoke highly of the organization, the front office, the ownership, the coaching staff, and his teammates. "First and foremost, I want to thank my family for sacrificing everything day in and day out," Brunson said. "Thank you to [owner] Jim Dolan and the Knicks organization, [president] Leon [Rose], the front office, Mike Brown, my teammates: without them, none of this would be possible. They allow me to be me. I'm forever indebted to them."

Brunson wasn't the only Knicks player to win at the ESPYs. The entire team earned the 'Best Team' award, and OG Anunoby won the 'Best Play' award for his game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the Finals.

The Knicks star received recognition for his exceptional year at the awards ceremony. He won the 'Best NBA Player' and the 'Best Championship Performance' awards. Additionally, he earned the 'Best Championship Performance' award. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to the championship, ending their 53-year drought. During their historic championship run, Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. He was also a major reason for the team's 13-game postseason win streak. When they lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, the streak came to an end. It started in Game 4 of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jalen Brunson's Message After Winning the Best Championship Performance

Jalen Brunson was appreciative of everyone who helped him lead the Knicks to a championship. During his acceptance speech, he spoke highly of the organization, the front office, the ownership, the coaching staff, and his teammates. "First and foremost, I want to thank my family for sacrificing everything day in and day out," Brunson said. "Thank you to [owner] Jim Dolan and the Knicks organization, [president] Leon [Rose], the front office, Mike Brown, my teammates: without them, none of this would be possible. They allow me to be me. I'm forever indebted to them."

Brunson wasn't the only Knicks player to win at the ESPYs. The entire team earned the 'Best Team' award, and OG Anunoby won the 'Best Play' award for his game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the Finals.

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