The New York Knicks won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 3, beating them 105-95
Jalen Brunson, Daughter Jordyn Brunson, wife Ali Marks
Credit : ali marks brunson/Instagram
Jordyn Brunson loves cheering on her "dada"
The 2-year-old is one of the New York Knicks' biggest fans, given that she is the daughter of the team's captain, Jalen Brunson
Her mom, Ali Brunson, tells PEOPLE about the adorable way the couple's daughter has been
Jordyn Brunson was born a Knicks fan.
Last night, after Jalen Brunson helped lead the New York basketball team to a victory over the San Antonio Spurs during Game 1 of the NBA Finals, New York City was lit up with excitement (and quite a few buildings were lit up in orange and blue). But perhaps no one was more excited than his two-year-old daughter, Jordyn, whom he shares with wife Ali Brunson.
Chatting with PEOPLE exclusively ahead of Game 1, Ali, who was named one of Frida's Most Valuable Parents ahead of the Finals run, tells PEOPLE about how their daughter has been getting into the season. And, she may only be two, but she already knows what colors to wear on game day.
Jalen Brunson and Ali Brunson with their daughter Jordyn
Jalen Brunson and Ali Brunson with their daughter Jordyn
"Jordyn sees blue/orange or photos of the Knicks logo and automatically says, ‘Dada!'" Ali reveals. "She will cheer when someone scores a basket and loves watching highlights of Jalen."
And, while at games, Ali says that Jordyn's little arms are "up and cheering" all game long. "Jordyn screams for Dada from her seat," Ali adds. "She definitely understands some aspects of it," the mom, 30, adds.
Back in February, Ali spoke with PEOPLE about one of her favorite parts of being an NBA wife, which is just that: bringing Jordyn along with her to all the insane moments that crop up throughout the season.
But out of all of her favorite parts of being an NBA wife, Ali tells PEOPLE that bringing along her daughter Jordyn has been the most "surreal" and rewarding experience. Most Knicks games run on the later side, so Ali doesn't always bring Jordyn along. However, when Jalen plays earlier in the afternoon, Jordyn comes to cheer on her dad and toddle around the area, where Ali says she's known and recognized by many of the people she passes.
"Everyone at MSG loves their job and loves the Knicks," the proud mom said. "It's just been such a family experience."
She makes sure that Jordyn is present for the big moments too, like when Jalen was named captain of the Knicks in 2024 — just one week after Ali gave birth to the couple's daughter.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks kisses his daughter, JordynJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks kisses his daughter, Jordyn
Ali Brunson, Jalen Brunson and Jordyn Brunson.
"He had a whole ceremony for it. I think I was one week postpartum, and we came with Jordyn for it," Ali recalled. "She was hiding in the back. She came out to celebrate for just a second, and then we went back home. I didn't want her to miss it."
One of Ali's favorite moments from the Knicks' historic season so far was getting to watch her husband and Jordyn walk off the court on Mother's Day, both dressed in matching pink Nike Kobe 5 PEs. It's indicative of the way that Jalen shows up for his daughter, both on and off the court. Ali says that Jalen's "priority" is being a dad, and that he loves to wake her up and play outside with her or put her to bed.
While Jordyn's "dada" is busy, potentially leading the Knicks to an NBA Finals win, Ali is busy making sure her daughter stays grounded amid the chaos. "Life stays pretty routine for her," says Ali, who is a fitness instructor herself.