Jalen Brunson’s NBA Cup Flashbacks Spark Funny Josh Hart Moment at ECF MVP Ceremony

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart (Photo by Imagn Images)

Jalen Brunson’s NBA Cup Flashbacks Spark Funny Josh Hart Moment at ECF MVP Ceremony

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated May 26, 2026 2:54 AM ET

The New York Knicks have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. It’s time for a celebration, right? Maybe not too much, at least for Jalen Brunson. Before receiving his Eastern Conference Finals MVP, he did not want Josh Hart to be anywhere near him.

After a sluggish come-from-behind win in Game 1, many thought the Knicks-Cavs series would reach seven games for a decider. To everyone’s surprise, New York found another gear and swept Cleveland. The signs were there that this Knicks group is special, though. They did win the NBA Cup in December. That’s also the time when Hart playfully trolled Brunson, and the incident quickly went viral.

That’s why this time, when Jalen Brunson was called to the center of the stage, he was quick to tell Josh Hart the words, “No, go. Go!”

Jalen Brunson had flashbacks from the NBA Cup and told Josh Hart to back up while getting his ECF MVP trophy pic.twitter.com/eDgcTSZTX2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 26, 2026

That’s hilarious. Clearly, Brunson did not want a similar scenario to happen at one of the most memorable moments of his life. Funnily enough, Hart quickly walked away after being told to move, raising his hands as he walked past the cameras.

The Knicks are currently waiting for the winner of the Spurs-Thunder series in the West.

Jalen Brunson Shows Tough Love For Josh Hart

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to know that Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are best buddies on and off the court. They were college teammates at Villanova before making the jump to the NBA. After a few years donning other jerseys, they found themselves playing for the New York Knicks.

Aside from being friends, both guys are competitors. One good example was in Game 2 against the Cavaliers. When Hart injured his ankle after a layup attempt, Brunson was quick to offer his thoughts by saying, “Walk it off.’

Truth be told, Josh Hart is a tough guy and the difference maker for the New York Knicks. And Jalen Brunson knows that trait about his buddy, too. Can both guys win a championship together at the NBA level? This year is their chance to do it.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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