Knicks’ Jalen Brunson gets cool homage after Reds star hit HR vs. Cubs

Jalen Brunson has become one of the NBA’s most recognizable players, and his signature celebration is now making its way onto baseball diamonds. Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart made sure Brunson got some love during Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Cubs.

Before the game, Stewart told teammates that if he hit a home run, he would celebrate it with Brunson’s signature hand gesture. He ultimately got the chance to follow through.

Sal Stewart pregame: "When I hit a home run tonight I'm gonna do the Brunson"

Sal Stewart 7th inning: pic.twitter.com/NWy6CaKwGW

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 31, 2026

Stewart launched a solo home run in the seventh inning of Cincinnati’s 7-5 victory over Chicago at Wrigley Field. After rounding the bases, the Reds rookie delivered on his promise and performed Brunson’s signature celebration.

“I said, ‘If I go deep, I’ll do the Brunson,’” Stewart said after the game.

The celebration was a fun crossover between two of Cincinnati’s and New York’s biggest sports worlds. Stewart said his teammates enjoyed seeing him follow through after he had promised to use Brunson’s celebration if he homered.

“I did it, and the boys loved it,” Stewart said.

Stewart’s respect for Brunson goes beyond the Knicks point guard’s on-court celebration. The Reds rookie also praised the NBA star for the choices he made with his contract, pointing to Brunson’s decision to accept less money to help New York maintain its core.

“He has overcome so much adversity,” Stewart said. “When he could have taken the most money, he actually declined it and took less so he could put out the best team he could. I feel like that’s really cool.”

Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks in 2024, giving up a significant amount of potential salary to help the franchise preserve its roster.

For Stewart, the homage came during another memorable night in what has been an impressive rookie season. His seventh-inning homer was his 31st of the year, while his 105 RBIs led all Reds batters since Jay Bruce’s 109 in 2013.

Stewart’s home run helped the Reds secure a 7-5 win over the Cubs and complete their series victory. More importantly for Knicks fans, Brunson’s signature celebration got an unexpected new audience on a baseball field.

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