The concrete jungle officially has a new king, and he’s wearing orange and blue. Former President Barack Obama has weighed in on Jalen Brunson’s legendary NBA Finals MVP performance, declaring the New York Knicks guard the undisputed "King of New York" following their historic championship win. The Knicks finally ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, and Obama, speaking on the popular "All The Smoke" podcast, left no doubt about Brunson's cemented status in the city's lore.
Brunson’s postseason heroics were truly something for the ages. He powered the Knicks through the playoffs, culminating in a masterful 32.6 points per game average in the Finals. The defining moment arrived in Game 5, where Brunson dropped a franchise-record 45 points to clinch the title at Madison Square Garden, a feat the Knicks faithful had been dreaming of since their last championship in 1973.
Obama didn't just crown Brunson; he also made sure to give his flowers to OG Anunoby, whose defensive prowess and timely scoring were crucial to the Knicks' success. Praising the duo for delivering a championship that generations of New Yorkers have waited for, Obama even joked that "Jalen Brunson will never have to buy another meal in New York City," highlighting the immense gratitude and adoration the point guard has earned.
Even those who previously doubted Brunson have been forced to concede. Becky Hammon, who had publicly questioned Brunson's ability to lead a team to a title, publicly admitted she was wrong after witnessing his dominant performance on the biggest stage. This shift in perspective underscores the magnitude of Brunson's achievement and his ability to silence doubters with unparalleled clutch play.
The jubilant atmosphere in New York was palpable, with team forward Josh Hart capturing the pure joy and camaraderie on social media through a viral reaction. His post further amplified the celebration, showcasing the team's elation after achieving such a monumental milestone for the franchise and its loyal fanbase.
For New York City and the Knicks organization, this championship is more than just a trophy; it's the end of an era of waiting. Jalen Brunson delivered one of the most iconic Finals performances in franchise history, OG Anunoby was the perfect complement to complete the mission, and the Knicks have firmly reclaimed their place among the NBA's elite. Judging by the former President's endorsement, Brunson has ascended to an entirely new level of legendary status in the city, a reputation that will undoubtedly echo through the annals of basketball history.
Reporting via The Source. Read the original story here: https://thesource.com/2026/06/26/obama-crowns-jalen-brunson-the-king-of-new-york-after-historic-knicks-championship/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=obama-crowns-jalen-brunson-the-king-of-new-york-after-historic-knicks-championship
