New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon are not going to be trading Christmas cards anytime soon.
In a recent interview, the Knicks star was pretty clear on his stance on Hammon, following a series of critical comments she made on Brunson’s potential that resurfaced after he led New York to an NBA title.
Knicks Champion Jalen Brunson Takes a Striking Dig at Becky Hammon
Back in 2023, Hammon, an analyst on ESPN’s “NBA Live,” questioned Brunson’s ability and was not sold on the chances of him bringing an NBA championship to New York.
The Knicks had gone 53 seasons without winning an NBA title, and Hammon, a former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach, said that Brunson was “too small,” citing players like John Stockton in her assessment.
After Brunson helped New York end its title drought in June this year, Hammon’s comments resurfaced, sparking debate and backlash.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the 2026 Finals MVP was asked to review his basketball journey through a series of pictures.
Brunson came across a picture of Hammon and remarked, “You seeing this? Yeah, I’m skipping this. Skipping her.”
While leading the Knicks to the championship, Brunson had a part in one of the greatest plays in Knicks history, where he put up a shot with 4.3 seconds left in Game 4 against the Spurs, with teammate OG Anunoby tipping it in with 1.2 seconds left.
In that game, the Knicks trailed the Spurs by 29 points in front of the home crowd.
In the 2025-26 season, Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting 46.7% from the field for the Knicks.
Brunson played his first four NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before joining the Knicks back in the 2022-23 season.
After clinching the championship, Brunson added his name to a list of Knicks’ legends like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Bill Bradley.
He also joined Steph Curry and Allen Iverson as the only players 6’2 or shorter to average 27 points or more on a Finals team this century, and the fourth player listed at 6’2″ or shorter to win NBA Finals MVP.
With the New York supporters relishing their crown, the controversy around Hammon’s remarks may die out soon, but Knicks fans have long memories, so this whole thing might not be over yet.
