Mariska Hargitay Has Emotional Moment With Jalen Brunson After Knicks Win
Mariska Hargitay rushed courtside at Madison Square Garden to celebrate with Jalen Brunson after the Knicks rallied from 29 points down to defeat the Spurs 107-106.
The Knicks completed a stunning rally from 29 points down to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106, according to New York Post, with Brunson leading the charge with a game-high 36 points.
The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress embraced Brunson courtside in jubilant scenes captured by fellow celebrity superfan Ben Stiller, who filmed the emotional moment on video.
Before greeting the star point guard, Hargitay had already sprinted to embrace Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father and a Knicks assistant coach who was part of the storied 1999 New York squad that reached the NBA Finals.
Celebrity Friendship Built on Mutual Admiration
The close relationship between Hargitay and the Brunson family has become a fixture at Knicks games this season. Stiller himself commented on the special access Hargitay appears to enjoy during an appearance on Brunson’s podcast with teammate Josh Hart.
Hargitay has been effusive in her praise for the Knicks floor general, recently calling him magnificent and describing him as her inspiration during an appearance on the Today show. The friendship began when the two discovered they were admirers of each other’s work, as New York Post reports.
Star-Studded Gallery Watches Historic Comeback
Wednesday’s dramatic finish had the celebrity section at The Garden on its feet. Hargitay was seated alongside pop superstar Taylor Swift and musicians Este Haim and Alana Haim, all sporting coordinated blue and orange shirts reading “Stevie Knicks.”
The high-profile group was seen leaping with excitement after OG Anunoby’s go-ahead tip-in with just 1.2 seconds remaining sealed the comeback victory over San Antonio.
New York now has the opportunity to close out the series when they travel to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday.
With information from New York Post
