Jalen Brunson, point guard for the New York Knicks, played a crucial role in leading his team to victory in the Shooting Stars competition, which returned to NBA All-Star Saturday after an 11-year break. The Knicks’ success in this event marked a notable moment during the 2026 NBA All-Star festivities, with the team’s strong performance highlighted by Brunson’s contributions.
Team Effort Features Karl-Anthony Towns and Allan Houston
Alongside Brunson, fellow All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and fan favorite Allan Houston composed the Knicks’ Shooting Stars trio. Together, they scored 47 points in the final round, overcoming Team Cameron—made up of former Duke players Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel, and Corey Maggette—to clinch the championship. This collective effort demonstrated the team’s skill and chemistry on the court.
Brunson Shares Candid Comments About His Father and Coach
Despite the excitement of winning, Brunson’s remarks revealed a surprising lack of fun during the event, particularly when interacting with his father and coach, Rick Brunson, who served as the team’s passer. When asked if he was enjoying himself, Jalen responded bluntly.
No, whenever I’m with him, it’s never fun,
he said during an interview with NBC Sports reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi, according to BrickCenter X. He also added,
It was a passer, I wouldn’t say a ‘celebrity’ passer, but he did his job.
Father-Son Dynamic Adds Another Layer to the Experience
The playful tension between Jalen and Rick Brunson is no surprise, given the amount of time they spend together both on the road and in the locker room. The light-hearted roasting during the trophy presentation highlighted their close, if competitive, relationship. While Jalen’s remarks might sound tough, the outcome of their teamwork was clearly successful in achieving the Knicks’ win.
Looking Ahead: Brunson’s Continued Role in NBA All-Star Events
As the 2026 NBA All-Star Game approaches, Jalen Brunson is expected to be a starting player for the second consecutive year, solidifying his place among the league’s elite. With his father not participating on the court during the main event, there is hope that Brunson will enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable experience at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome as the All-Star weekend progresses.
Jalen Brunson on if he’s having fun yet:
“No.” pic.twitter.com/ZdyPZTXdv9
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 14, 2026
TEAM KNICKS ARE YOUR SHOOTING STARS CHAMPIONS 🔥
They scored 47 points in the 2nd Round to secure the win.
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/SdpYtHt6Zj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026
