Brunson is the King of New York: the curious moment involving Michael Porter Jr.
After leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, Jalen Brunson has become a true icon in the city. One recent moment involving Michael Porter Jr. proves it
In New York, Jalen Brunson is no longer just an NBA player. After ending the Knicks’ 53-year championship drought, No. 11 has become a true city icon. And now, it seems he gets special treatment almost everywhere he goes.
Over the past few days, several videos have gone viral showing just how much Brunson’s status has changed in the Big Apple. The latest incident also involved Michael Porter Jr., who unintentionally became part of a moment that had Knicks fans buzzing across social media.
Brunson walks in like a VIP, Michael Porter Jr. waits outside
The scene took place outside Cafe Zaffri in New York, where Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson were seen waiting with the maître d’ to be checked in.
Moments later, Jalen Brunson arrived with his wife. The Knicks star stepped out of the car and, without waiting, was immediately escorted inside the restaurant.
A completely normal situation for a celebrity, but one that instantly became meme material online. The reason? The contrast in treatment between Brunson and Porter Jr. had fans laughing.
Knicks fans: “Brunson is the King of New York”
Knicks fans flooded the video’s comment section, once again celebrating Brunson’s connection with the city.
One of the most popular comments read:
That’s the difference between being recognized and being known. Brunson doesn’t even need to be on the guest list anymore
NBA fan
Another fan joked:
The jump from ‘Are you on the list?’ to ‘Come right in, Mr. Brunson’ is incredible. Michael Porter Jr. just got caught in the middle because he’s a Nets player
NBA fan
And another simply wrote:
That’s the King of New York
NBA fan
The message was clear: after delivering an NBA championship to the Knicks, Brunson has become the face of the city, while Porter Jr., despite already winning an NBA title himself, doesn’t command the same level of popularity.
Brunson is already a Knicks legend
The biggest difference lies in his relationship with the city. Jalen Brunson symbolizes the return of glory for the New York Knicks, one of the most iconic franchises in American sports after decades of frustration.
That’s why his name now carries special weight throughout New York. Winning the NBA championship has essentially earned him a “king’s pass” across the city.