Why Knicks’ Jalen Brunson hugged Mitch Johnson before his dad after winning NBA title

New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson embraced San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson before his own father after winning the NBA Finals, 4-1, in Game 5. Before celebrating with New York in the Knicks’ championship parade on Thursday, the Finals MVP explained why he hugged Johnson first.

For Brunson, it was out of respect, he said, per CBS Mornings.

“I hugged and said what’s up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect,” Brunson said. “It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I think win or loss, you show respect regardless of the outcome. I’ve got a lot of respect for them over there.”

Jalen Brunson on why he went to hug Spurs HC Mitch Johnson before his father after the win:

"I hugged and said what's up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect… It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I think win or loss, you show respect… pic.twitter.com/t2KFdy7j5l

— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 17, 2026

In his first Finals appearance, Brunson led the Knicks with a 45-point performance in the series-clincher and earned the MVP award for his consistent play against Mitch Johnson and the Spurs throughout New York’s best-of-7 series.

Has Jalen Brunson entered the small-guard GOAT conversation?

Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson has been the subject of debate. The Finals MVP has entered conversations he had never been mentioned in before winning a championship. However, regarding the small-guard GOAT debate, Matt Barnes doesn’t think Brunson’s there yet.

Barnes explained why he’s not ready to place Brunson ahead of Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson, per the All The Smoke podcast.

“It’s tough because we’re looking at guys that have a career of work. What’s Brunson in year 6-7? Allen Iverson, I’ve heard this debate: Is he better than A.I.? Is he a better scorer than A.I.? It’s different because A.I.’s era was a 7-footer in the paint every night,” Brunson said. “He’s not gonna be outside the paint, and you have to score over him. Plus, the two guys who are guarding you.”

Jalen Brunson's Finals run has him in conversations with GOATs

Matt Barnes says pump the brakes… but admits the debate is just getting started pic.twitter.com/GwTBW0oEhw

— ALL THE SMOKE (@allthesmokeprod) June 17, 2026

With only eight seasons under his belt, Brunson still has plenty of time to move up in the small-guard GOAT conversation as he’s entered the prime years of his career.

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