Knicks' Josh Hart makes fun of Jalen Brunson in the best way after his 40-point game
Josh Hart needed only a few words and a social media post to turn Jalen Brunson’s latest scoring explosion into locker-room comedy, and in doing so, he perfectly captured the spirit of these New York Knicks.
After Brunson erupted for 40 points, Hart wasted no time poking fun at his close friend and teammate, using the kind of playful jab that has become a signature of their relationship. It was light, clever, and just irreverent enough to remind everyone that beneath the pressure of carrying one of the league’s most scrutinized franchises, these Knicks still know how to enjoy the moment.
The Hart–Brunson dynamic has quietly become one of the NBA’s most entertaining subplots. They are central pieces to New York’s identity, and their constant back-and-forth offers a glimpse into a culture that blends accountability with genuine camaraderie. When Hart jokes about Brunson after a dominant performance, it doesn’t undercut the star guard’s night; it humanizes it. It reinforces that Brunson’s rise from steady contributor to All-Star-level focal point is happening in a room that feels connected and secure.
From a league-wide perspective, that matters. Contending teams often point to chemistry as the invisible edge that separates them in tight games and long series. The Knicks’ version of that chemistry is loud, public, and often hilarious, but it serves a serious purpose. Hart’s humor keeps things loose around a player who now faces nightly traps, tailored game plans, and the expectations that come with being the face of basketball in New York.
It also underscores Brunson’s temperament. Not every star would welcome being the butt of a joke after a big night. Brunson clearly does, and that willingness to be teased by teammates signals a lack of ego that coaches and front offices covet.
In a league where every performance is dissected and every star scrutinized, the Knicks managed to turn a 40-point masterpiece into something more: a reminder that joy, trust, and a well-timed joke can be as valuable as any play in the book.
After Brunson erupted for 40 points, Hart wasted no time poking fun at his close friend and teammate, using the kind of playful jab that has become a signature of their relationship. It was light, clever, and just irreverent enough to remind everyone that beneath the pressure of carrying one of the league’s most scrutinized franchises, these Knicks still know how to enjoy the moment.
The Hart–Brunson dynamic has quietly become one of the NBA’s most entertaining subplots. They are central pieces to New York’s identity, and their constant back-and-forth offers a glimpse into a culture that blends accountability with genuine camaraderie. When Hart jokes about Brunson after a dominant performance, it doesn’t undercut the star guard’s night; it humanizes it. It reinforces that Brunson’s rise from steady contributor to All-Star-level focal point is happening in a room that feels connected and secure.
From a league-wide perspective, that matters. Contending teams often point to chemistry as the invisible edge that separates them in tight games and long series. The Knicks’ version of that chemistry is loud, public, and often hilarious, but it serves a serious purpose. Hart’s humor keeps things loose around a player who now faces nightly traps, tailored game plans, and the expectations that come with being the face of basketball in New York.
It also underscores Brunson’s temperament. Not every star would welcome being the butt of a joke after a big night. Brunson clearly does, and that willingness to be teased by teammates signals a lack of ego that coaches and front offices covet.
In a league where every performance is dissected and every star scrutinized, the Knicks managed to turn a 40-point masterpiece into something more: a reminder that joy, trust, and a well-timed joke can be as valuable as any play in the book.
