Jalen Brunson's Head-Butt Play Sparks Laughs and Dominance in Knicks’ Win

Brunson Takes One for the Team, Scores High Against Hornets

During Thursday's media session, New York Knicks forward Josh Hart couldn't resist poking fun at teammate Jalen Brunson after a memorable moment in their recent 129-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. In the first quarter, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball attempted a pass into the paint, only for it to inadvertently strike Brunson on the head before bouncing out of bounds.

Hart, who is also a co-host on the Roommates Show podcast, took to social media jokingly to congratulate Brunson, tweeting, "Way to use your head my boy @jalenbrunson1." The light-hearted jab showcased the camaraderie within the team, and both players shared a moment of good sportsmanship afterward, with Ball offering a fist bump that Brunson gladly accepted.

Despite the unexpected head shot, Brunson continued to shine in the game, finishing with a stellar performance scoring a game-high 33 points on an impressive 14-of-28 shooting. He also contributed three assists and two rebounds, proving that he can shake off any distraction on the court.

The 29-year-old guard is not new to accolades, as he has been selected as an All-Star and an All-NBA player for the past two seasons, and indications suggest he’s on track for another successful campaign in 2025-26. As of now, Brunson is averaging 28.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting efficiently with 48.1 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.

After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Knicks entered this year with high hopes. They sat at 11-6 following Wednesday's win, making them the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference and only 3.5 games behind the leading Detroit Pistons. With Brunson leading the charge, Knicks fans are excited about the prospects of representing the East in the 2026 NBA Finals.