More than basketball fans continue getting familiar with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Brunson appeared in a prerecorded video to open the 78th Emmy Awards with this year’s host, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star Mariska Hargitay. The Emmys honor the best in television programming. Brunson and Hargitay, who are friends, have become synonymous with the Knicks for different reasons. Brunson was named NBA Finals MVP after leading the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years three months ago.
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Hargitay is a Knicks fan and was a regular at Madison Square Garden during New York’s title run. Her reaction to the Knicks’ 29-point comeback in Game 4 of the finals went viral as she stood on the court in disbelief and hugged OG Anunoby. She also was on Brunson’s float during the Knicks’ championship parade.
This time, Brunson made an appearance for Hargitay’s big moment as she became the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years.
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In the scene, Brunson is steaming his blue Knicks jersey while Hargitay steams a dress for the show. Hargitay spoke about pressure and asked, “Have you ever felt like you have millions of eyes on you and it all comes down to one night?”
Brunson, with the NBA Finals logo on the back of his jersey visible, reappeared onscreen with a dumbfounded look and replied, “Seriously?”
Hargitay said, in her case, it’s just her, and she didn’t have anyone to “tap it in” for her — a reference to Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in to clinch New York’s aforementioned historic comeback — before leaving for the rest of the intro video because she didn’t have time to “steam outfits” with Brunson.
She later dropped another Brunson reference, saying, “Catch another Brunson nail the shot” when speaking about “Abbott Elementary” star and multitime Emmy winner Quinta Brunson.
Brunson’s and Hargitay’s worlds will continue crossing over. Hargitay said Brunson’s appearance on “Law & Order: SVU” is “in the works” and is “definitely happening.”
That will not be the first time Brunson makes a television appearance. He’s slated to host the season premiere of Season 52 of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 26. Hosting the sketch comedy show will give Brunson an opportunity to show off his acting and comedic talents more. He’ll join Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and LeBron James as the only NBA players to host the show.
Brunson also has appeared on WWE multiple times, the latest appearance in July. He’s been a part of storylines with WWE star Roman Reigns, whom he’s referenced during Knicks news conferences, and an arc with Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. The three-time All-Star has also announced he’ll release a children’s book, “Jalen Plays It All,” in November.