Knicks Stars Brunson, Hart, and Bridges Make History with NBA Title
On June 15, 2026, the New York Knicks clinched their first NBA championship since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs. This victory marked a historic achievement for Knicks players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. They became the first set of teammates to win both a national title in college and an NBA title together.
Jalen Brunson, awarded the NBA Finals MVP, shares a podcast called “Roommates Show” with teammate Josh Hart. Their humorous banters are well known, but the serious nature of their achievement shines through.
“It’s a lot more special knowing me and Mikal have one more championship than Josh,” Brunson jokingly remarked during their appearance on the “TODAY” show with Jenna Bush Hager. Though light in nature, the bond between the players shows deeper roots.
Brunson elaborated, “It’s special knowing that, when we were younger, we all had a goal of making it to the NBA. Achieving something great in college, and again at the professional level, is incredible. But it’s more than that; no matter the situation, we have each other’s backs, and there’s love among us.”
Brunson highlighted a heartfelt message from Hart, “He sent a text that read, ‘I don’t know if I can say this in person because I may be emotional, but I really love you guys, and it means the most to me to know you guys are here doing this with me.’ Our bond is special.”
Brunson, Bridges, and Hart first tasted success as members of the Villanova Wildcats, winning the 2016 NCAA national championship. Hart was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft, while Brunson and Bridges played for Villanova’s 2018 national championship team. Bridges went 10th overall and Brunson 33rd in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Brunson joined the Knicks in July 2022, followed by Hart, traded from the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2023. Bridges completed the trio in July 2024 after a significant trade with the Brooklyn Nets. This trade involved sending Bridges to the Knicks in exchange for five first-round draft picks.