Knicks Star Brunson Rejects ‘King of New York’ Title

Jalen Brunson says he will never call himself the “King of New York,” despite widespread fan support for the nickname after he led the Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973. Brunson explained that referring to himself as king would seem self-centered and credited his family and longtime friends with keeping him grounded. The title gained momentum after Brunson won Finals MVP, averaged 32.6 points in the championship series and scored 45 points in the deciding Game 5. He appears comfortable with New Yorkers assigning him the nickname, even as he declines to claim it for himself.