Jalen Brunson Wins Three ESPY Awards, Knicks Take Team Honor
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson claimed three ESPY Awards on Wednesday, including Best Athlete – Men’s Sports, Best Championship Performance, and Best NBA Player, while the Knicks secured the Best Team honor at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City. The event, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, celebrated athletic achievements across sports, with Brunson and the Knicks dominating the ceremony.
Brunson, who led the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Finals, became the first player to win all three individual awards in a single night. The Knicks also won the Best Team award, marking their third ESPY victory of the night, including OG Anunoby’s “Best Play” for his game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the Finals.
Brunson’s Awards and Performance Stats
Brunson’s three ESPY wins capped a historic season, during which he averaged 26.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 93 games (including the playoffs). He shot 46.7% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range, earning recognition as the NBA’s top player.
In his acceptance speech for Best Athlete – Men’s Sports, Brunson acknowledged rivals like Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, and Matthew Stafford. “Winning this award among a group like that means the world,” he said. He also thanked fans, family, and teammates, calling the Knicks’ championship “a hell of a run.”
Knicks’ Team Success and Legacy
The Knicks’ team award underscored their historic breakthrough, ending a 53-year championship drought. The team’s victory was celebrated with a parade of players, including OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, who accepted the trophy. Towns’ speech emphasized the team’s unity, citing their resilience during a December slump and the support of New York fans. “The love for each other on this team is what got us through the humps,” he said.
Brunson humorously noted the absence of teammate Josh Hart, joking, “We want to say thank you to the ESPYs for pulling Josh Hart’s invite.” The Knicks’ sweep of all their nominated awards—Best Team, Best Play, and the three individual honors—marked a rare feat in ESPY history.
Other Notable ESPY Winners
The ceremony also honored other standout athletes. Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson won Best Athlete – Women’s Sports and Best WNBA Player, completing her second “double” of the night. Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts was named Best College Athlete – Women’s Sports for her play at UCLA. On the men’s side, Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo received the Best Single-Game Performance award for his 83-point outing in March.
The ESPYs, which support the V Foundation for Cancer Research, featured a mix of sports and entertainment. Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry won the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, while former NBA player Jason Collins received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Context and Impact of the ESPYs
Brunson’s awards solidify his status as a global superstar, with his ESPY tally now at three individual honors and one team award. The Knicks’ success at the event highlights their rise as a dominant force in the NBA, with Brunson’s leadership central to their championship run. His ability to overcome a wrist injury during the playoffs, which he revealed required surgery in July, further underscored his resilience.
The 2026 ESPYs celebrated not only individual brilliance but also team camaraderie, with the Knicks’ victory serving as a testament to their collective effort. As Brunson and the Knicks bask in their accolades, the ceremony reaffirmed their place in sports history and the enduring passion of New York’s basketball fans.
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