Jalen Brunson jokes that the ESPYs pulled Josh Hart’s invite as Knicks win Best Team; Karl-Anthony Towns shouts in celebration of the 2026 title [VIDEO]
KAT Shouts ‘Knicks in Five’ During Celebratory ESPY Acceptance Speech
The New York Knicks added another honor to their championship run, winning the ESPY Award for Best Team at the July 15 ceremony. Jalen Brunson accepted the award with a joke about teammate Josh Hart’s absence, while Karl-Anthony Towns brought the energy with a signature “Knicks in five” shout.
Brunson, who also won individual ESPYs for Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete – Men’s Sports, took the microphone and quipped: “We want to say thank you to the ESPYs for pulling Josh Hart’s invite.” The line drew laughter and reactions from teammates on stage. Towns followed with an emphatic “Knicks in FIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”
Jalen Brunson’s Josh Hart Joke Steals the Show
The 52-second clip captures the Knicks’ delegation on stage at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Brunson stands at the microphone holding the clear spherical trophy, surrounded by approximately 10 teammates and staff members in formal attire. His curly hair and black suit with a gold star-shaped pin make him easily identifiable.
The joke about Hart lands perfectly among the group. Hart, a key contributor known for his defense and energetic personality, is notably absent from the stage. Brunson’s delivery—light and accompanied by laughter—suggests the playful dynamic between the Villanova teammates that fans have come to appreciate throughout their championship run.
Reactions from the group include clapping, head turns, and visible smiles. One teammate in a black leather jacket with sunglasses gestures enthusiastically. The moment captures the camaraderie that defined the Knicks’ title-winning season.
KAT’s ‘Knicks in Five’ Energy
Karl-Anthony Towns follows Brunson with a signature moment of his own. His elongated “Knicks in FIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” shout matches the high-energy persona he brought to the team throughout the championship run. The exclamation drew cheers from the crowd and reactions from teammates.
Towns’ presence on stage reflects his importance to the championship squad. His performance in the Finals, particularly in Game 5, helped secure the franchise’s first title since 1973. The “Knicks in five” chant had become a rallying cry for fans throughout the playoff run.
The contrast between Brunson’s dry humor and Towns’ explosive delivery created a memorable acceptance speech. The combination of personalities on stage represents the balance that made the Knicks successful—leadership, energy, and genuine camaraderie.
The Championship Journey
The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Championship on June 13, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5. The series victory ended a 53-year championship drought for the franchise. Brunson was named Finals MVP, averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.
The Knicks overcame double-digit deficits in multiple playoff games, including the Finals. The team’s resilience became a defining characteristic of their run. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and the rest of the roster contributed to what many called one of the most memorable championship campaigns in recent NBA history.
The ESPY for Best Team added to a growing list of honors. Brunson’s individual awards for Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete – Men’s Sports further recognized the team’s historic achievement. The Best Team award, determined by fan voting, reflected the national recognition the Knicks earned.
The Josh Hart Dynamic
Josh Hart, a Villanova teammate of Brunson and Mikal Bridges, played a crucial role in the championship run. Known for his defensive intensity, rebounding, and off-court personality, Hart became a fan favorite. His high-energy antics during trophy celebrations had previously drawn playful distance from Brunson.
The joke about ESPYs organizers “pulling” Hart’s invitation stems from this well-documented dynamic. Hart’s absence from the stage group amplifies the comedic timing. The line suggests organizers wanted to avoid potential antics on the live broadcast—a nod to Hart’s reputation for unpredictable celebratory behavior.
Fans familiar with the Brunson-Hart friendship immediately understood the reference. The joke drew laughter from teammates and viewers alike, adding a personal touch to the awards ceremony. The moment highlighted the genuine bonds that made the championship team special.
X Reacts to the Acceptance Speech
The X post from @ohnohedidnt24 generated significant engagement with over 24,000 likes and 1.4 million views. Reactions focused on both Brunson’s humor and Towns’ energy. One user noted “KAT might be built for the spotlight. You can’t teach presence like that.” Others shared video clips reacting with phrases like “He really clutched.”
Fans questioned the joke’s premise, with one asking “Why they pull Josh’s invitation lol.” The question reflected the joke’s effectiveness—making viewers wonder about the backstory while appreciating the humor. The lighthearted tone dominated the replies.
Positive sentiment prevailed among Knicks fans and neutral observers. Emphasis on the team’s award sweep, relief after the long title drought, and appreciation for Brunson’s leadership and humor were common themes. Some replies focused specifically on Towns’ charisma and stage presence.
The ESPY Stage and Setting
The 2026 ESPYs took place at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City. Hosted by Marcello Hernández, the ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of presenters and winners. The Knicks’ presence added local flavor to the event, with the team accepting their award in their home city.
The stage featured a glossy, reflective floor with dynamic lighting and LED screens. A large screen displayed basketball footage during the team’s acceptance. The audience, visible in wider shots, stood and cheered as the Knicks received their award.
Other winners included A’ja Wilson, Stephen Curry (Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award), and a posthumous Arthur Ashe Award for Courage presentation for Jason Collins. The Knicks’ Best Team win stood out as a fan-voted recognition of their championship achievement.
New York Knicks’ Historic Season
The Knicks’ 2025-26 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in franchise history. The championship ended a 53-year wait for fans who had endured decades of disappointment. The team’s success brought renewed energy to New York basketball.
Brunson emerged as a legitimate superstar during the playoff run. His 45-point performance in the clinching Game 5 included key fourth-quarter runs that sealed the victory. The Finals MVP award solidified his place in Knicks history.
The team’s chemistry, highlighted by the ESPYs acceptance, became a defining characteristic. Brunson’s joke about Hart and Towns’ energetic shout reflected the personalities that made the group special. The balance of humor and intensity resonated with fans and observers alike.
Jalen Brunson’s Individual Honors
Brunson’s individual ESPY wins added to his decorated season. Best Championship Performance recognized his Finals excellence. Best Athlete – Men’s Sports placed him among the elite performers across all sports. The recognition reflected his transformation into a national star.
The Finals MVP award had already cemented his legacy. Brunson’s playoff averages, including the 45-point Game 5 performance, demonstrated his ability to rise to the biggest moments. His leadership on and off the court became the foundation of the championship team.
The acceptance speech captured Brunson’s personality—dry humor mixed with genuine appreciation. His ability to joke about Hart while holding the trophy reflected the confidence and comfort of a champion. The moment became a highlight of the ESPY broadcast.
Conclusion
The moment captured the camaraderie and personality that defined the championship team. Brunson’s individual honors for Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete – Men’s Sports further recognized the historic season. The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought in June and continue to celebrate their achievement through awards and public appearances.
The ESPYs acceptance, with its blend of humor and energy, reflects the team’s identity and the genuine bonds that made their title run special. As the franchise looks toward the future, the 2026 championship and its accompanying honors will remain a defining moment in New York basketball history.