Jalen Brunson Once Cussed Out His Father Rick Brunson During Knicks Game

Rick Brunson about the first time his son Jalen Brunson cursed him out during a Knicks game.

Jalen Brunson Once Cussed Out His Father Rick Brunson During Knicks Game

Rick Brunson and Jalen Brunson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Jalen Brunson has turned himself into one of the most skilled players in the NBA today. Since being drafted into the league by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, Brunson has showed steady growth and has earned three consecutive All-Star selections since 2024.

The 29-year-old has become a fan-favorite in the city of New York, since joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Jalen Brunson helped his club win the 2025 NBA Cup last month and was awarded the MVP award for his performances. However, since the turn of the year, the Knicks have seen a considerable dip in form after a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign. The Knicks have won just three matches in 11 games in 2026.

Brunson is the son of former NBA player, Rick Brunson. Just like his son, Rick joined the Knicks as an assistant coach in 2022. After the sacking of Tom Thibodeau in the offseason, many expected that Rick would leave the club as well. But Rick has continued to offer his services after the signing of Mike Brown as the head coach.

On the latest episode of “The Check Game Podcast” with Alvin Williams, Rick spoke about the first time his son cursed him out during a Knicks game.

First time I yelled at him he turned around to me & said, ‘Man, sit the F down.’ I said M*fer and I looked at him. But then I had to realize, me and you (Alvin) played and we yelled at our coach. So I had to say ‘You know what, you can do that. If you ever do that off the court, I’ll beat you up man’. Because if another player yelled at me I’d be like alright.

It is a hilarious story of some father-son banter. It is normal for emotions to get the better of someone sometimes when things are not going in their favor during a game. But Jalen wouldn’t be so lucky if that happened off the court.

Rick Brunson molded Jalen Brunson into a star

It was always going to be a difficult road for Jalen in the league. At 6’1″, he is often seen as a liability in defense due to his lack of size, but that has not stopped him from being one of the top players in the league. His offensive skillset more than just makes up for his lack of defense.

The Knicks guard dropped out of the top-ten in the MVP rankings due to the Knicks’ poor form. But that has not stopped him from posting impressive numbers and is currently averaging 27.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists.

While Rick is an assistant coach of the Knicks, it is Brunson Sr. who trained Jalen from a young age and turned his son into an offensive force. Anyone who’s watched Jalen’s career closely will know that his story is far from one of overnight success. Some may call him a nepotism product, but it is his sheer talent, hard work, and Rick’s strict training drills that have shaped him into the player today.

Mike Brown on Jalen Brunson’s players-only meeting

The Knicks have hit rock bottom this year. They recorded a convincing 120-66 blowout against the Brooklyn Nets in their last game to end their four-game losing streak. There is some concern within the organization regarding their current form.

Following their poor run of results, Brunson reportedly called for a players-only meeting. He reportedly urged his teammates to “find answers”, instead of looking to the coaching staff to fix their problems. As the leader of the team, Brunson decided it is his responsibility to hold the players accountable.

Head coach Mike Brown was asked about Brunson’s meeting in a press conference and said,

Mike Brown and Jalen Brunson
Mike Brown and Jalen Brunson (Image credits – Fadeaway World)

When you go through adversity, it starts with an individual looking in the mirror, starting with me. Because we know we are better. Sometimes you may not get the minutes/touches/shots, but you gotta sacrifice. As a leader, you got to uplift and connect the group. Keep thinking about how can we get this win…how hard can I play.

The Knicks are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 26-18 record. The fans hope that Brunson’s meeting will help the players lift themselves and get back to winning ways.

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