"Let's get another ring" - Spike Lee hypes Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart with exquisite Knicks' memorabilia
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are ready to lead the New York Knicks to challenge for the 2025 NBA championship. After a 2023-24 season where injuries slowed down the Knicks, they are set to bounce back and give the defending champion Boston Celtics a run for their money in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks superfan and movie director Spike Lee found a unique way to motivate Brunson and Hart at the Fanatics Fest. Lee presented them with the Madison Square Garden net during the Knicks' first NBA championship in 1970. To make things better, he brought Knicks legend Walt Frazier with him to make his point clear.
After recapping all the things Frazier did to secure the championship against the LA Lakers in the 1970 Finals, Lee told the pair that they needed to get a new one, although his initial message was a little strong.
"We need to get a motherf***ing--Excuse my language, especially the young people. I'm sorry. But, 1972-73, come on, now. Let's go. Let's get another ring! Up to the sky, let's go!" Lee told Brunson and Hart.
The New York Knicks have had great players within their ranks since that 1973 championship. Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, John Starks, Mark Jackson, John Starks, Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Kristaps Porzingis are some of the best players who have played for the team. Yet, they weren't able to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are the leaders of this team and they know what's at stake next season after being one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals.
Jalen Brunson explains why he took a pay cut with the Knicks
Back in July, Jalen Brunson made a surprising decision when he re-signed with the Knicks for four years and $113 million, which was much lower than he could have gotten. As surprising as it was, that call was made to help the team's championship aspirations, Brunson said on Thursday's "Roommates Show."
"The process was simple. I mean, let's just be blunt and honest with it, it was the most money I could get at this point in time, and obviously, it made the most sense," Brunson said. "You always wanna make sure that you're set up for, obviously, to be well off, like your family and your extended family and all that.
"But it was kind of simple. I wanted to be here. I wanted to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff, and I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here," he continued.
The Knicks have a bright future with Jalen Brunson leading the way, but the challenge of winning another championship for New York will be tough nonetheless.