Jalen Brunson made his highly anticipated “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut this weekend, much to the delight of the New York audience and Knicks fans everywhere.
The 2026 NBA Finals MVP concluded his first show with a skit based in an office, where he repeatedly tried to make a shot into a trash can before the dramatic ending where his character Darius finally makes the shot to cheers from his colleagues and the live audience.
On his Instagram, SNL writer Dan Bulla shared a fun tidbit on how that skit was so effective.
“Fun fact: there was a blower in the garbage can, making it literally impossible for Jalen to score until the final shot…We had two sets of cue cards for the ending – one if he made it, and one if he missed. He missed at dress but hit the shot ON AIR…because @jalenbrunson1 is BUILT FOR THE MOMENT!!!” Bulla wrote on an Instagram story.
The skit’s ending was the perfect tribute to the Knicks’ magical run to their first title since 1973, and Brunson’s turn as host was filled with love for the 2026 Knicks, and included appearances from the rest of their starting five — Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, in Brunson’s opening monologue.
SNL star Kenan Thompson also appeared in the monologue to play ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and offer an apology for doubting Brunson’s talent en route to the championship.
With his debut on Saturday, Brunson became just the fifth NBA player to host “Saturday Night Live” among many pro athletes, joining Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and LeBron James.
He was the first Knicks to ever host the iconic sketch comedy show.
The Knicks open the 2026-27 season at Madison Square Garden against the 76ers on Oct. 20.
