Part of what makes the experience of playing for the New York Knicks so special is the fan base. They will certainly let you know when you aren’t playing well, but they remain fiercely loyal and supportive.
Madison Square Garden was rocking throughout the 2023-24 season. With the team battling injuries, the crowd would always come through, providing energy to the players on the court. It is something that certainly does not go unnoticed by the people on the team.
After being eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals over the weekend, a few of the New York Knicks stars showed their appreciation after the game. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart both interacted with fans who were lined up outside of the arena.
It was an awesome scene, watching them high-five some fans and take photos. It isn’t something they are required to do, as they took time to thank the fans. Brunson doing so despite fracturing his hand in the game a few hours prior certainly shows the kind of person he is.
“They have been nothing but amazing… I can’t really put into words of what they mean to me…they deserve much more than what we were able to do,” Brunson said of the fans during his Game 7 post-game interview.
"They have been nothing but amazing… I can't really put into words of what they mean to me…they deserve much more than what we were able to do."
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 19, 2024
Jalen Brunson on New York's fans pic.twitter.com/2UFySItXSP
Brunson exited Game 7 with the injury in the third quarter. Hart, who was dealing with an abdominal strain, gave the team everything he had. He would foul out in the fourth quarter, which gave the crowd a chance to acknowledge everything he has done this season with a standing ovation.
Josh Hart on the standing ovation from the fans for him when he fouled out… pic.twitter.com/BFXE3oGNOE
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) May 19, 2024
Both Brunson and Hart have endeared themselves to the New York Knicks faithful. They are easy to root for, leaving it all out on the court every night. This core looks capable of accomplishing something special, as the future at MSG is as bright as it has been in decades.
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