Skip to main content
SI

The Best Moments From Knicks’ Championship Ceremony at Madison Square Garden

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks watched as a championship banner rose to the rafters at MSG for the first time in 53 years. Here’s what you missed.
Tom Dierberger, Liam McKeone|
The Knicks celebrated their 2026 NBA championship in front of a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Knicks celebrated their 2026 NBA championship in front of a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. | Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images

In this story:

New York KnicksPhiladelphia 76ers

Knicks fans, the day you’ve been dreaming about finally arrived.

On Tuesday night, the third championship banner in franchise history—and first since Walt Frazier led New York to the 1973 title—was raised to the rafters at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson and his teammates were presented with championship rings for their heroic and historic efforts in the 2026 playoffs just a handful of months ago.

It began with a two-minute video narrated by Knicks superfan Ben Stiller, and only got better from there.

Here are the best moments from ring night at MSG:

Jalen Brunson addresses Knicks fans at MSG

Right before the banner was raised at Madison Square Garden, Brunson addressed the sellout crowd of Knicks fans. The recent Saturday Night Live host opened with a joke: “First of all, I want to thank you guys for not leaving Game 4.” Brunson then went on to thank fans and share his hopes for the season: ‘The joy that this city had this summer—I’d love to replicate that again.”

Learning the championship ring details

O.K., the Knicks’ championship rings are incredible.

Here’s what it features: There are 16 diamonds around the ring’s bezel to represent the Knicks’ 16 playoff wins en route to the championship. There’s also a 0.16-carat round diamond, representing the 16-point deficit the Knicks erased in their championship-clinching Game 5 win over the Spurs. And to top it off, inside the ring is a replica of Madison Square Garden, which pops up when you twist it counter-clockwise. Unreal. 

Josh Hart’s Larry O’Brien Trophy-inspired braids 

Just like the rings, it’s all about the details. 

Hart debuted a new hairstyle Tuesday night in which his braids formed the Larry O’Brien Trophy. If you don’t believe he’s a champion, just ask his barber. 

Knicks legends soaking it all in

Knicks legends were a big part of the championship celebration. Walt Frazier—who starred on the Knicks’ championship team in 1973 and remains the team’s color commentator on MSG Network—presented each player with a championship ring. Mike Breen, the longtime voice of the Knicks, MC’d the ring ceremony. And Carmelo Anthony, who starred for New York from 2011 to 17, grinned from ear to ear as the championship banner was lifted. 

Catch up on Sports Illustrated’s live blog from the big night at MSG:

Live blog: Knicks vs. 76ers

Schedule for the Knicks’ championship ceremony

The Knicks’ ring night ceremony will begin around 6:30 p.m. ET with a hype video narrated by New York superfan Ben Stiller. Among the celebrities in attendance will be the Larry O’Brien Trophy, which made its way to Madison Square Garden earlier Tuesday after a cruise around the five New York City boroughs in a glass-walled bus.

How to watch: NBC. You can also stream the game on Peacock.

Recapping the Knicks’ offseason

For the most part, the Knicks are running it back with their championship roster from last season.

The biggest missing piece this season will be Mitchell Robinson, who departed in free agency and signed with the rival Celtics. Shortly after the Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, owner James Dolan made it clear he has no plans to enter the NBA’s dreaded second apron—even with a roster coming off a title. Robinson was the first victim of Dolan’s refusal to pay up.

To take Robinson’s place on the roster, the Knicks signed veteran center Andre Drummond, who averaged 6.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for the 76ers last season.

Aside from that swap, coach Mike Brown’s squad will look largely the same in 2026–27. The Knicks’ star core from their championship run—Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns—will hear their names called Tuesday night as the starting five once again.

PODCAST 🎧: Listen to SI’s NBA podcast, Open Floor, below or on Apple and Spotify. Watch the show on SI’s YouTube channel. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger leads Sports Illustrated’s NBA coverage as the Deputy News Director. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at Fox Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor’s in communication from St. John’s University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

Share on XFollow tomdierberger
Liam McKeone
LIAM MCKEONE

Liam McKeone is a senior news writer for the NBA team at Sports Illustrated. He has been in the industry covering the NBA and other sports as a content creator starting in 2017. Prior to joining SI, McKeone worked for NBC Sports Boston and The Big Lead. In addition to his work as a writer, he has hosted the Press Pass Podcast covering sports media and The Big Stream covering pop culture. A graduate of Fordham University, he is always up for a good debate and enjoys loudly arguing about sports, rap music, books and video games. McKeone has been a member of the National Sports Media Association since 2020.

Share on XFollow liam_mckeone
Home/NBA