During games at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks often attract a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, including a notable group of celebrities. This season, familiar faces like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner were spotted cheering on the home team. Despite the many star fans, Knicks captain Jalen Brunson reserves a very special postgame moment—a hug—for just one celebrity: Mariska Hargitay. The reasons behind this unique ritual have sparked curiosity and a bit of playful jealousy, particularly from Ben Stiller, who remains on the sidelines of this exclusive exchange.
Brunson’s choice to share his postgame hug exclusively with Hargitay has created a noteworthy story among Knicks fans and celebrities alike. The bond between the athlete and the Emmy Award-winning actress is deeper than a typical fan-celebrity interaction, fueled by a shared admiration dating back to Brunson’s childhood. This connection explains why Brunson’s affectionate gesture is reserved solely for Hargitay, despite the many devoted fans in the spectator seats.
The Backstory Behind Brunson’s Special Connection with Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay spoke openly about her unique relationship with Jalen Brunson during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. She recalled the first time they embraced:
“I said, ‘Jalen, bring it in.’ You know how it started, was he… They let me know that Jalen was a big fan. And I was so flattered and thrilled because I was such a huge fan. And I think Jalen sort of grew up on SVU.”
Hargitay referred to the popular TV series Law & Order: SVU, highlighting Brunson’s long-standing fandom. Brunson’s appreciation for the show began when his father, Rick Brunson, used to watch it, and he continued to enjoy it during his time playing in Dallas. This shared admiration creates a sense of comfort and familiarity for Brunson, which Hargitay believes explains why their interactions carry a special warmth.
She added further context about the nature of their bond:
“But so he, I think, felt this sort of, you know, as many people do, that intimacy and safety that one does, you know, growing up on SVU.”
This background gives clarity to why Brunson’s postgame hugs are reserved exclusively for Hargitay and not extended to other celebrity fans, even those as prominent as Ben Stiller.
Ben Stiller’s Playful Frustration Over Missing Out on the Hugs
Ben Stiller, known for being a regular Knicks supporter, has expressed his good-natured annoyance over Brunson’s special treatment of Hargitay. Stiller’s sense of exclusion was mentioned during his guest appearance on The Roommates Show podcast in early May, where it was noted:
“The love that Mariska Hargitay gets from (Brunson) postgame is the envy of every other Knicks fan, Knicks celebrity fan.”
Brunson’s teammate and podcast co-host, Josh Hart, also added humor to the conversation by pointing out:
“I’ve seen you not hug your wife after some losses,”
which prompted Brunson to respond with playful honesty:
“I expect to see (Stiller) there all the time. But this is her first or second game this year. So I’m not going to see her for a long time. So I’m just going to say hi and go.”
Despite Stiller’s frequent attendance at games, the scarce appearances of Mariska Hargitay at Madison Square Garden earn her this exclusive postgame interaction. Stiller joked about needing to attend fewer games to secure such a moment, but the reality is that Hargitay’s regular presence has built a genuine rapport with Brunson that is unlikely to change.
Brunson’s Public Admiration for Hargitay Reinforces Their Special Bond
Jalen Brunson has openly praised Mariska Hargitay on several occasions, showing that his admiration goes beyond casual fandom. Once, he remarked on being
“most excited to see (Mariska Hargitay) sitting courtside at (Madison Square Garden).”
His appreciation was also evident when asked in April about a non-basketball guest he would like on his podcast; without hesitation, Brunson named Mariska Hargitay. Their mutual respect and shared history contribute to a comfort level that explains Brunson’s exclusive postgame hugs and warm greetings.
For the Knicks captain, this tradition appears to be deeply personal rather than ceremonial. The familiarity rooted in years of fandom and genuine admiration for Hargitay distinguishes her from other celebrity fans, which creates a unique postgame ritual they both value.
The Significance of This Exclusive Interaction and Its Impact on Fan Culture
The exclusive postgame hugs between Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay go beyond simple celebrity interaction, highlighting how personal connections can form in unexpected places, like a basketball arena. This tradition fosters a humanizing element in the high-energy environment of professional sports, reminding fans of the emotional connections behind athletic performances.
As the New York Knicks continue their season, this exclusive bond between the team’s captain and a beloved actress draws media attention and sparks fan interest. It underscores how athletes often have passions and connections outside of their sport that shape their behavior and create stories fans cherish. For Ben Stiller and others hoping for similar moments, it adds a lighthearted narrative to Knicks games, blending sports and Hollywood culture seamlessly.
Looking forward, this unique ritual is likely to continue as long as Hargitay remains a steady presence at Knicks games. For now, it remains a special emblem of the unexpected friendships that can develop around one of basketball’s most celebrated teams and its leader, Jalen Brunson.