After Jalen Brunson drains a three point shot, Knicks fans already know what to expect.
As he runs back on defense, Brunson brings his right hand to his mouth, holding up his thumb, pointer and middle finger. With those, he covers his mouth before throwing the hand gesture up in the air.
In Zohran Mamdani’s inaugural speech on Thursday, the duly elected NYC Mayor copied the gesture, shouting out the Knicks guard as an example of New Yorkers demanding excellence of their government.
“We expect greatness from the cooks wielding a thousand spices, from those who stride out onto Broadway stages, from our starting point guard at Madison Square Garden,” Mamdani said, throwing up Brunson’s signature hand gesture. “Let us demand the same from those who work in government. In a city where the mere names of our streets are associated with the innovation of the industries that call them home, we will make the words ‘City Hall’ synonymous with both resolve and results.”
Brunson has emerged as the cornerstone of the Knicks since joining the team. He’s earned two NBA All-Star selections and was named the 36th captain in franchise history.
He also won the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award for the 2024–25 season and has led the Knicks to multiple Eastern Conference second-round playoff appearances.
Mamdani is a Democratic socialist and former state lawmaker from Queens. He built his profile around issues such as housing affordability, transit access, labor rights, and government accountability.