Knicks' Jalen Brunson Left Ben Shelton Starstruck At US Open Semifinals
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Jalen Brunson, who was the Finals MVP in the 2026 NBA Finals with the New York Knicks, was among the several stars in attendance as Ben Shelton faced Frances Tiafoe in the US Open semifinals.
Ben Shelton ended up winning the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in a four-set showdown with his fellow American Frances Tiafoe to proceed to the US Open finals, where he will face Alexander Zverev.
After his victory, Shelton spoke to the audience and said Jalen Brunson’s presence in the crowd fueled him to play better, as he is one of his favorite athletes.
“I think I’ve grown more mature, more focused. I know what my job is out here. 100% committed to those goals. It’s not easy playing here at the Arthur Ashe [Stadium], playing in front of all of your favorite athletes and movie stars.”
“So to be able to keep your head down and focus for over three hours is not an easy task. I keep on looking at the screen like, ‘Oh shoot, Jalen Brunson is here,’ Shelton admitted.
Since leading the Knicks to their first championship in decades, Brunson’s fame has only grown. He has swiftly emerged as one of the NBA’s biggest stars, going from Finals MVP to courtside celebrity. Even Shelton acknowledged that his presence made an impact at the US Open, underscoring his growing popularity.
Brunson sat beside Ben Stiller and was joined by his Knicks teammate Josh Hart in the audience. Trae Young, Devin Booker and James Harden were among the several stars who had come out tonight to witness the semifinals clash between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton.
Jalen Brunson also had a noteworthy moment with Josh Hart at the red carpet entry, where he hilariously looked so done with his Knicks teammate when his own wife was simply trying to get a picture taken with Hart and his wife, Shannon Hart.
Josh at US Open: “Hi Jalen!”
Shannon: “Jalen!”
Ali: “Wait! Let’s take a pic”
Jalen: “No no no. No no”
(nypost) pic.twitter.com/SQR4VoZDAI
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) September 12, 2026
The Knicks’ fans saw this on social media and flooded it with reactions about the teammates’ banterous dynamic.
“This is a generational type of brotherhood. That’s why this iteration of the Knicks makes us believe.”
“He said no so fast it sounded rehearsed 😭 Josh really can’t catch a break.”
“He’s avoiding drama from Josh 😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
“Jalen trying to keep the kayfabe alive.”
“Josh Hart is a gem.”
“This is the greatest championship offseason of all time 🗽🏆.”
This was another exchange between the duo that perfectly represents their banterous bond. After the Knicks won the championship, Josh Hart hilariously claimed that Brunson was not his best friend. Jalen Brunson clearly acted offended, saying he would have called Hart his closest friend if not for his antics.
Brunson’s profile has increased significantly, as evidenced by the attention he is getting outside of basketball. He went from being a beloved Knicks leader to a national sports celebrity after his championship run, and his relationships and personality added even more allure. Brunson continues to draw attention, whether he’s on the basketball court or courtside at the US Open.