Jalen Brunson makes history as the first Knicks player to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ 

by Dollita Okine, Face@FaceAfrica.com

Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson made history as the first player from the franchise to host “Saturday Night Live.” Brunson, who recently turned 30, displayed his comedic talent in the season 52 premiere, which featured the pop group Katseye as the musical guest.

Coming off his exciting NBA championship win that ended the Knicks‘ 53-year title drought, Brunson casually began his monologue by saying he had a “pretty good summer.”

“So the first three quarters of the show are gonna be god awful, but the last sketch is gonna be amazing,” Brunson joked, in reference to the Knicks’ multiple Finals comebacks, according to the New York Post. 

Brunson expressed his excitement about returning to Madison Square Garden for the upcoming NBA season, humorously noting it’s “the same spot where Taylor and Travis got married” in July.

The Knicks MVP playfully teased ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, as portrayed by “SNL” regular Kenan Thompson, suggesting that Smith owes him an apology for doubting his leadership in guiding the team to a championship.

His fellow Knicks teammates, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, were present at 30 Rockefeller for Brunson’s debut as host and later joined him on stage.

During his monologue, Brunson engaged with the audience, taking questions from his championship-winning teammates. 

Bridges asked about the length of his over-7-foot wingspan and whether Brunson actually took a $113 million pay cut to re-sign with the Knicks.

Knicks fan Ben Stiller praised Brunson’s monologue on X as the “BEST MONOLOGUE EVER.”

In one sketch, Brunson showcased his singing skills while humorously referencing the Disney movie “High School Musical.”

In the final sketch, Brunson is in the Knicks’ locker room when his third-grade coach enters, expressing pride and joking about the largest steak Brunson has eaten.

Brunson wrapped up the show by saying he’s “Going to get back to my real job pretty soon” and was joined on stage by musical guest Katseye, who wore Knicks gear. 

The Knicks’ MVP is the fifth NBA player to host the show in its nearly 51-year history, following legends like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and three-time host Charles Barkley, according to Sporting News.

Brunson is also the third athlete from a New York-based team to take on the role of late-night show host, joining former Giants star Eli Manning and Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.

Actress Mariska Hargitay recently said that Brunson will “definitely” be getting a role in “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”

“It’s definitely happening,” Hargitay told Variety at the HBO Max Emmy Nominee Celebration. “He’s kind of magnificent that way. He is just open and ready. I don’t think there is much Jalen can’t do.”