Rick Brunson found himself in the NBA Finals spotlight after De’Aaron Fox shoved his son Jalen during a tense Game 2 moment.
The Knicks edged past the Spurs 105-104 to take a 2-0 lead in the series, but the story was not just about the final score.
One sideline moment captured exactly how unique the Brunson family presence is in this matchup.
Rick Brunson steps in after De’Aaron Fox shoves Jalen
Fox and Jalen Brunson squared up after a physical play near the bench, prompting officials and teammates to intervene before things escalated.
Rick Brunson, serving as a Knicks assistant coach, stepped toward the commotion. While the audio was not clear, fans on social media lip-read his message to Fox as: “You’re not tough, don’t do that.”
Fox had a strong night, finishing with 20 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a block. But Jalen Brunson still had the final say, even on an off-shooting night.
Jalen went 7-for-25 from the field with four turnovers, but added 20 points, six assists, five rebounds, and five steals. His late steal off Victor Wembanyama and go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds left sealed the win.
Rick knows the spotlight well. He played nine NBA seasons, including a stint with the Knicks during their 1999 Finals run, and later returned to New York as an assistant coach in 2022.
Brunson family ties now look like the Knicks foundation
Rick’s role in the organization was once a talking point around Jalen’s free agency move.
The Knicks hired Rick in June 2022, just before signing Jalen to a four-year, $104 million contract. The NBA later docked New York a 2025 second-round pick for tampering in their pursuit of Jalen.
The connections were clear. Rick had played for the Knicks, worked with Tom Thibodeau, and had ties to Leon Rose, while Jalen already felt at home with the organization.
Back then, rivals raised eyebrows. Now, it looks like a masterstroke.
The Brunsons are two wins from turning every old doubt into background noise. If the Knicks finish the job, Rick and Jalen will become one of the most celebrated families in New York sports history.
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