The New York Knicks' historic NBA Cup victory celebration on Tuesday night took an unexpected and globally viral turn, thanks to a bizarre moment involving forward Josh Hart and star guard Jalen Brunson. While the team secured its first trophy in over five decades, a camera captured Hart jamming his thumb into Brunson's behind during the post-game festivities, instantly turning the triumph into an internet sensation.
From Trophy Glory to Viral Fiasco
On Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a convincing 124-113 scoreline to claim the NBA Cup. This victory marked the franchise's first trophy win in 52 years, a monumental moment for the team and its fans. The on-court celebration was in full swing, with confetti filling the air as the team raised the coveted cup.
However, the spotlight swiftly shifted from the collective achievement to an individual act of questionable celebration. As the team posed with the trophy, cameras caught Josh Hart seemingly sticking his thumb into the rear end of his teammate, Jalen Brunson. The incident, broadcast live on Amazon Prime and seen by a national audience, was impossible to ignore.
The Awkward Aftermath and Social Media Frenzy
The reaction was immediate. A visibly shocked Brunson whipped around with a "Bro, what?!" expression, searching for the culprit. The video clip spread across social media platforms like wildfire, eclipsing discussions about the team's long-awaited championship. Fans and commentators alike were equal parts amused and bewildered by Hart's antics.
Josh Hart, realizing the moment had gone massively viral, took to social media platform X to address the elephant in the room. He first posted, "Damn in 4k…..," followed by laughing-crying emojis. In a subsequent attempt at damage control—or perhaps just leaning into the joke—he humorously claimed, "IT WAS AI." He also added a lighthearted comment praising Brunson, saying he is "inch for inch, probably the best."
A Historic Win Behind the Comedy
Despite the comedic distraction, the Knicks' on-court performance was commendable and historic. OG Anunoby led the scoring with 28 points, including five three-pointers. Jalen Brunson, named the Emirates NBA Cup MVP, contributed 25 points. The team shot 46.7% from the field and made 15 three-pointers on their way to a dominant fourth-quarter finish.
Brunson, after receiving his MVP honour, emphasized the team's focus moving forward: "This is great and we’re going to enjoy this. But once we leave tomorrow, we’re moving on." His sentiment echoed the team's new motto, as stated by players: "We found a way to win. That’s going to be our motto going forward. We’re going to find a way." The win allows the Knicks to finally hang an NBA Cup banner in Madison Square Garden, a feat not accomplished since 1973.
Ultimately, while the Knicks' 52-year drought ended with a significant NBA Cup victory, the night will be equally remembered for Josh Hart's awkward and viral 'thumbs up' celebration that accidentally turned a trophy ceremony into a global comedy show.
