League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Jalen Brunson credits Justin Bieber for Knicks' championship run

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 1:43 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Jalen Brunson credits Justin Bieber for Knicks' championship run

Summary

Jalen Brunson shared that his game-day ritual includes listening to Justin Bieber before each game during the New York Knicks' championship run. Appearing on 'The Tonight Show,' he detailed how this started during his college career at Villanova and has continued into the NBA. The Knicks won their first title since 1973 by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, with Brunson earning Finals MVP honors. His connection to Bieber resonated with fans, including Hailey Bieber, who celebrated the Knicks' victory alongside her husband, Justin. Brunson emphasized that Bieber's music helps him maintain a leveled mindset before games.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Brunson listens to Bieber as a pre-game ritual.
•Knicks won their first championship since 1973.
•Brunson was named 2026 Finals MVP.
•Hailey Bieber celebrated the Knicks' victory publicly.
•Brunson's tradition began at Villanova and led to success.

Latest Updates

12:44 PMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson confirms Justin Bieber fandom in New York Knicks appearance on Jimmy Fallon
1:43 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson shares how Justin Bieber influenced Knicks' NBA title run

What they're saying

"
Jalen Brunson’s championship celebration has carried him from Madison Square Garden to the late-night couch — and straight into a conversation about Justin Bieber. Days after the New York Knicks captured the title, the point guard stopped by The Tonight Show, where host Jimmy Fallon wasted little time digging into one of the stranger corners of his pre-game routine.
— Yahoo Sports