Jalen Brunson makes shocking acknowledgement after Knicks win

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Jalen Brunson makes shocking acknowledgement after Knicks win

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated May 1, 2026 8:52 AM ET

After the New York Knicks demolished the Atlanta Hawks, 140-89, in Game 6 to clinch their first-round playoff series, Jalen Brunson stepped to the podium expecting the usual basketball questions.

Instead, a reporter tossed Brunson a legitimate curveball: How did he feel about Roman Reigns reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 by defeating CM Punk and reuniting The Bloodline?

Brunson’s eyes lit up like a Madison Square Garden crowd at Monday Night Raw.

Jalen Brunson was asked about Roman Reigns winning about WrestleMania:

"See, these are the questions I want asked!… I have a handshake with one of our trainers and we acknowledge him before every game" pic.twitter.com/iXAIi1aG7H
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 1, 2026

“See, these are the questions I want asked,” he said with a laugh. “Very excited. I have a handshake with one of our trainers, and we acknowledge (Reigns) before every game.”

The Knicks point guard, a lifelong WWE devotee who once stormed the SmackDown ring with a steel chair to chase off rival Tyrese Haliburton, was clearly in his element.

The pregame ritual—complete with the Bloodline’s signature finger-to-the-sky gesture—has apparently been part of Brunson’s routine all season.

In a lighthearted moment that had fans buzzing, the Knicks star proved he can dominate on the court and still pay proper respects to the Tribal Chief.

As New York prepares for the Eastern Conference semifinals, maybe a little extra acknowledgment is exactly what the Knicks need to keep rolling.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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