Jalen Brunson, a devoted New York Knicks player and fan of the television show Law & Order, has developed an unexpected friendship with actress Mariska Hargitay. This connection began at a Knicks game held at Madison Square Garden, where the two first met. Over time, their relationship grew beyond a simple fan encounter, turning into a genuine friendship fueled by their shared appreciation for basketball and Brunson’s admiration for Hargitay’s work.
Brunson has often seen various celebrities attend Knicks games but revealed that Hargitay is the only one who made him feel star-struck. In a May 4 episode of his podcast The Roommates Show, Brunson confessed that meeting Hargitay was a special moment for him.
“I’ve never been like super, super starstruck. I saw her and I was like, ‘Oh, (wow),’” Brunson said. “Then, the first time we met, it was awesome, we talked and everything.”
Brunson’s Childhood Connection to Law & Order and Hargitay
Jalen Brunson’s enthusiasm for Law & Order stems from his upbringing, particularly due to his father Rick Brunson’s influence. Rick, a former NBA player, introduced him to the show, embedding the iconic opening theme and suspenseful storytelling in Brunson’s early life. This connection deepened the Knicks guard’s admiration for Hargitay, who stars on the series.
“I remember my dad always watching the show, and you just hear the iconic (theme song) ‘don-don’ all the time,” Brunson said (via USA Today).
“I always found myself watching the show. Honestly, the older I got, the more I watched, the more I see now I’m like, ‘I’ve seen that episode,’ I’ve seen so many different episodes.”
Brunson’s fandom gradually turned into a heartfelt appreciation, especially for Hargitay’s character, establishing her as one of his favorite people.
Mariska Hargitay’s Perspective on Their Friendship
Mariska Hargitay also holds fond feelings about her connection with Jalen Brunson. Their friendship deepened when Brunson gifted a signed Knicks jersey to Hargitay’s son, August, during a game. This gesture not only impressed Hargitay but also revealed to her how much Brunson admired her work, which she found out through an article in People magazine.
“(My son) August and I were at a Knicks game, and after the game, Jalen Brunson beelined over to talk to me,” Hargitay said. “The next time we went, we were going into the game and Jalen wanted to meet with me, and he gave me a jersey and signed it, and then he recently, I think in People, said that I was his favorite.”
Hargitay’s children view their mother’s connection with an NBA star as exciting, adding a special dimension to their family’s experience. As the Knicks move forward in the Eastern Conference Final against the Indiana Pacers, celebrities like Hargitay could be spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden to cheer on the team.
The Importance of This Friendship and Knicks Support
The friendship between Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay symbolizes a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and fandom bridging generations and industries. Brunson’s genuine respect for Hargitay goes beyond the typical celebrity encounter, reflecting how his childhood influences continue to affect his personal life. Meanwhile, Hargitay’s support highlights the intertwining worlds of basketball and pop culture, particularly as both remain committed Knicks fans.
With the Knicks striving to advance in the NBA playoffs, this connection adds an endearing human element to the on-court action. For Brunson, having the chance to bond with an idol and share moments at The Garden not only fuels his motivation but also resonates with fans who cherish these stories behind the game.