New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson isn't one to engage in public feuds, but he made it clear on Thursday that he hasn't forgotten the doubters. During the team's championship parade through the streets of Manhattan, Brunson delivered a pointed message that many interpreted as a direct response to WNBA legend Becky Hammon.
Back in 2023, Hammon, now the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, sparked controversy by stating that the Knicks couldn't win a title with Brunson as their best player because he was "too small." Even after New York punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, she stood by her words, citing historical precedent and comparing Brunson to Allen Iverson, who lost in the Finals despite winning MVP.
But Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points per game in the championship series and earned Finals MVP honors, had the last laugh. At the parade, he addressed the narrative head-on without naming names. "There are a lot of people who say a lot of things," Brunson said. "There are people who have a lot of opinions out there, negative things. But when you win, you never again have to respond to that [expletive]."
The comment was a clear nod to Hammon's remarks, which had been a recurring topic throughout the playoffs. Teammate Mikal Bridges confirmed as much earlier in the week, saying on Instagram Live that Brunson was fueled by Hammon's criticism. "I appreciate Becky, no cap," Bridges said. "The words she said about can't win with JB being 1A and he's too little, all that did was fuel him. I don't care what he said. I know him. He ain't going to tell y'all. He knows what she said and it fueled him to go be great."
Brunson's performance throughout the postseason silenced most skeptics, but the championship parade gave him a platform to deliver a final mic drop. The victory not only ended a 50-year title drought for the franchise but also cemented Brunson's legacy as a leader who thrives under pressure. For a player who has often been overlooked due to his size, the triumph was especially sweet.
The parade itself was a spectacle, drawing thousands of fans despite reports that thousands of knicks fans were left out in the cold due to capacity limits. The celebration also sparked some controversy, with knicks fans under fire for a crude chant directed at Victor Wembanyama. But for Brunson, the day was about vindication.
Now that he's proven his doubters wrong, the question is how he'll handle the added scrutiny that comes with being a champion. If his track record is any indication, Brunson is more than ready for the challenge. The target on his back may be bigger, but so is his confidence. As he said during the parade, winning makes all the noise fade away.
Hammon, for her part, has not publicly responded to Brunson's speech. But the basketball world is watching to see how this narrative evolves. For now, Brunson has the last word — and a championship ring to prove it.
