The “King of New York” title goes to Jalen Brunson: Tracy Morgan reveals his special emotions after the Knicks’ historic NBA championship victory.

Tracy Morgan has always been more than just a comedian and actor in New York City. He has been a familiar face on the sidelines, a longtime supporter of the New York Knicks and a celebrity who has shared the emotional highs and lows of the franchise alongside generations of fans. After the Knicks finally captured their first NBA championship in 53 years, Morgan joined the celebration by delivering a statement that quickly captured the spirit of the city: Jalen Brunson is now the “King of New York.”

Speaking shortly after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, Morgan made it clear that he did not want to choose only one player when recognizing the team’s success. For him, the championship was the result of a collective effort involving every member of the organization, from the players to the coaching staff.

“I can’t pick anyone out because everyone had a part in it,” Morgan explained. “The coaching staff, everyone had a part in it, so I won’t do that. I won’t single anyone out, but Brunson [the team captain] is the King of New York right now. The people have spoken.”

The statement reflected the way many Knicks fans have viewed Jalen Brunson since he arrived in New York. While the championship was built through teamwork, leadership and sacrifice from the entire roster, Brunson became the face of the franchise’s revival. His performances, personality and ability to handle the pressure of playing in one of the world’s biggest sports markets transformed him into the symbol of a new Knicks era.

Morgan even compared Brunson to a legendary pop culture figure, jokingly connecting him to the famous 1984 movie “Ghostbusters.” With his trademark humor, the comedian sang the iconic theme song and changed the lyrics to celebrate the Knicks star.

“There’s something strange in your neighborhood. Who you gonna call? Jalen Brunson!”

Behind the joke was a genuine admiration for what Brunson had accomplished. Morgan described feeling overwhelmed by the championship moment, admitting that the victory brought out emotions he had carried for decades as a Knicks supporter.

“I broke down a lot,” he confessed. “I wasn’t the only one. Everyone in there was. Fifty-three years [the last time the Knicks won the championship was in 1973], everyone let it all out, everyone felt joyful, they were tears of joy.”

For Morgan, those emotions were not only about basketball. They represented a deeper connection to New York City and a sense of collective relief after years of disappointment. The Knicks have long been one of the NBA’s most historic franchises, but their championship drought became one of the defining stories surrounding the team. Generations of fans grew up waiting for the moment when the team would return to the top.

Morgan explained that the victory represented a turning point for the city itself.

“It means we’re over the hump,” he said. “The curse is over, and this is the first time in a long time that I’ve really seen the city happy.”

He also reflected on the challenges New York has faced over the past several decades, mentioning moments such as the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic as experiences that shaped the city’s collective memory.

“We’ve been through a lot, and we have something to really, really be proud of,” Morgan said.

The actor and comedian has been connected to the Knicks for years, often appearing among the famous faces sitting courtside during games. Although many fans consider him one of the team’s most recognizable celebrity supporters, Morgan humbly rejected the idea that he represents the ultimate level of fandom.

“The superfans are the ones sitting way up there,” he explained. “The real fans are way up there.”

His comment reflected the special relationship between the Knicks and their supporters. Madison Square Garden has long been considered one of the most intense basketball environments in the world, where celebrities and everyday fans share the same passion for the team.

Morgan’s connection to the Knicks is part of a much larger story about his own journey. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morgan built a career through comedy by turning personal experiences, observations and struggles into memorable performances. His rise began through stand-up before he became one of the most recognizable faces in television.

His breakthrough came with his role on “Saturday Night Live,” where his unique comedic style helped him become a fan favorite. He later gained even greater recognition as Tracy Jordan on the hit series “30 Rock,” a role that earned him widespread acclaim and showcased his ability to combine humor with emotional depth.

Throughout his career, Morgan has remained closely connected to New York culture. His comedy often reflects the energy, personality and challenges of city life, making his reaction to the Knicks championship especially meaningful for fans who see him as part of the city’s entertainment identity.

However, Morgan’s personal journey has also included difficult moments. In 2014, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him with significant injuries and required a long recovery process. The incident became a major turning point in his life, but Morgan eventually returned to performing and continued building his career.

His ability to overcome adversity has become an important part of his public story. Much like the Knicks’ long road back to championship success, Morgan’s journey has been defined by patience, resilience and the ability to continue moving forward despite challenges.

The emotional reaction to the Knicks’ victory also connected with the broader story of Jalen Brunson. Before becoming the leader of New York’s championship team, Brunson was known as a talented but underestimated player. His career developed through discipline, consistency and a reputation for performing in important moments.

Brunson arrived in New York with expectations that came with playing for the Knicks, a franchise where every mistake is analyzed and every victory carries enormous meaning. Instead of being overwhelmed by the pressure, he embraced it. His leadership helped transform the team’s identity and gave fans a player they could believe in.

His championship performance elevated him from a respected NBA player to a cultural figure in New York. The nickname “King of New York” reflected not only his basketball ability but also the emotional connection he created with the city’s supporters.

The Knicks’ championship was also the result of a group effort. Players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby each played important roles in creating a team built around chemistry and determination. That same chemistry was visible during the celebrations, where teammates shared emotional moments away from the pressure of competition.

For Morgan, seeing the Knicks succeed after decades of waiting represented something bigger than a championship banner. It was a shared experience for a city that has carried the team’s history through generations.

As the team prepared for the championship parade, Morgan expressed his hope of being part of the celebration with the fans.

“Right now I’m still processing everything, and hopefully I’ll go to the parade,” he revealed. “I want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of the people. Hopefully I’ll be there with my family.”

The moment captured why the Knicks’ championship meant so much to New York. It was not only about basketball statistics, trophies or records. It was about a connection between a team and a city that had waited decades for a reason to celebrate together.

Tracy Morgan’s declaration that Jalen Brunson is the “King of New York” became one of the many memorable moments following the Knicks’ historic victory. Behind the humor and excitement was a deeper message: after years of waiting, disappointment and hope, New York finally had its championship moment again.