Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a hard-fought win in his home state on Wednesday night, but his biggest moment came after the final buzzer. Following New York’s 133-127 victory over the Chicago Bulls at United Center, Brunson used his postgame interview to pay tribute to late Bulls broadcaster Stacey King.

“Just because we’re here, I just want to say R.I.P. to Stacey King, who we lost recently. A person who I knew when I was in high school out here. He supported our team a lot,” Brunson said on the court after the game. “His kids went to Stevenson. Just to see him not here today is a little sad. So I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers for him and his family. We miss him.”

“Just want to say RIP to Stacey King who we lost recently.”

Nothing but respect for Stevenson grad Jalen Brunson. pic.twitter.com/6h5gKLn4cU

— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) October 29, 2026

The connection runs deep. Brunson starred at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, before heading to Villanova, and King’s children also attended the school.

King died in June at 59. The Bulls drafted him sixth overall in 1989, and he was part of the franchise’s first three championship teams from 1991 to 1993 alongside Michael Jordan. After his playing career, King became a fixture on Bulls broadcasts, joining the team’s TV crew in 2006 and becoming known for his energetic calls and catchphrases such as “Gimme the hot sauce.”

The Bulls are honoring King all season long, with players wearing “King” patches on their jerseys and a Stacey King Celebration Night set for Feb. 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Brunson’s tribute came after another big night in his return to Chicago. The Knicks star poured in 38 points and dished out seven assists to help New York rally from a 19-point second-half deficit.

OG Anunoby added 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson chipped in 18 points, and Landry Shamet added 14.

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The Knicks took control late with a 10-2 run, and Brunson and Anunoby sealed it at the free-throw line after Chicago cut the lead to 130-127 in the final minute.

Norman Powell led the Bulls with 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting.

The win was New York’s second straight after the defending champions opened the season with three consecutive losses. Chicago, meanwhile, has dropped four of its last five games.

For Brunson, though, Wednesday night was about more than basketball.