Knicks Celebrate Title as Hart Calls Out Past Doubts About Brunson

The New York Knicks are enjoying a historic moment after ending a 53-year championship drought with a dominant run to the 2026 NBA title. Their victory over the San Antonio Spurs in five games delivered the franchise’s third championship and its first since 1973, marking one of the most memorable seasons in team history.

At the center of that success was Jalen Brunson, whose leadership and postseason performances earned him NBA Finals MVP honors. Brunson guided the Knicks through a remarkable playoff run and further strengthened his reputation as one of the league’s premier guards.

The championship also reignited discussion surrounding comments made years earlier by Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon. In late 2023, Hammon questioned whether a team could win a championship with Brunson as its top player, citing concerns about his size and overall ceiling as a franchise centerpiece.

Now that the Knicks have reached the sport’s highest level with Brunson leading the way, teammate Josh Hart has humorously revisited those remarks. During a recent appearance on the Roommates Show, Hart suggested he is still waiting for Hammon to acknowledge that her assessment did not age well.

1. Hart Revisits Old Criticism

Josh Hart did not hesitate to bring up the discussion while reflecting on New York’s championship run. During the show, he hinted at an unnamed individual who had doubted Brunson’s ability to lead a title contender before the audience quickly identified Hammon. The comments stem from Hammon’s appearance on a basketball program in December 2023. At the time, she argued that Brunson was not a true “1A” player and questioned whether a team could win a championship with a smaller guard serving as its primary star. One of Hammon’s most memorable statements was her belief that teams generally cannot win titles when their best player lacks elite size. While her remarks reflected a common debate around roster construction, they became a point of discussion as Brunson continued to elevate his game over the following seasons. Hart used the moment to playfully challenge that viewpoint. He joked that he was still waiting for an apology from someone who had underestimated a player who ultimately led New York to a championship, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd.

2. Brunson Delivers on the Biggest Stage

While debates about player rankings and championship formulas are common throughout the NBA, Brunson answered questions in the most convincing way possible—through winning. His postseason performance helped transform the Knicks from contenders into champions. Throughout the playoffs, Brunson consistently delivered in critical moments. Whether scoring in isolation, creating opportunities for teammates, or controlling the pace of games, he emerged as the driving force behind New York’s success. His Finals MVP award reflected the impact he had across the championship series against San Antonio. Brunson demonstrated the poise and leadership expected from a franchise cornerstone while proving capable of thriving under the pressure of the NBA Finals. The title run also challenged long-standing assumptions about what a championship team’s best player must look like. Brunson’s success showed that elite decision-making, skill, and leadership can overcome concerns about size, particularly when surrounded by a talented and committed roster.

3. Knicks Positioned for Continued Success

The championship capped a season in which New York finished with a 53-29 record and secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference. From there, the Knicks elevated their level of play and became one of the league’s most dominant postseason teams. New York compiled a 16-3 playoff record and entered the Finals riding significant momentum. Their stretch of 13 consecutive postseason victories highlighted the consistency and confidence that defined the team’s championship push. Hart played an important supporting role throughout the season. In his fourth year with the Knicks and ninth NBA season overall, he averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 66 appearances, contributing in multiple areas beyond scoring. Looking ahead, the organization appears well positioned to remain among the NBA’s elite teams. With Brunson and much of the core roster expected to return, the Knicks enter the offseason with stability and championship credibility. Management is likely to focus on strengthening the bench through the draft and free agency as the franchise attempts to build on its breakthrough season.