Jalen Brunson revealed why he hugged the Spurs coach before his father, and fans interpreted the comments as being aimed at Victor Wembanyama after the French star left without shaking hands.
The New York Knicks are on cloud nine after ending their decade-old NBA Championship drought. Jalen Brunson is at the center of all the talks after winning the NBA Finals MVP trophy and some off-the-court moments with fans. One moment involved a viral diss aimed at Wembanyama while raising a toast at a friends-and-family gathering. His recent comments also appeared to be a sly dig at the San Antonio Spurs center.
Following a viral moment in which Brunson made a blunt remark about Wembanyama, another moment grabbed attention online. Brunson’s recent appearance on CBS Mornings alongside his father, Rick Brunson, takes center stage. The Knicks star guard revealed why he hugged the Spurs coach, Mitch Johnson, even before his father, after winning the NBA championship.
While his statement was heartfelt and respectful towards the Spurs, it appeared to be a mockery of Wembanyama. Many fans linked Brunson’s remark about respect to the Spurs superstar’s antics after they lost the NBA Finals.
“I hugged and said what’s up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect… It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I think win or loss, you show respect regardless of the outcome. I’ve got a lot of respect for them over there,” Brunson said.
Jalen Brunson on why he went to hug Spurs HC Mitch Johnson before his father after the win:
“I hugged and said what’s up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect… It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I think win or loss, you show respect… pic.twitter.com/t2KFdy7j5l
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 17, 2026
Draymond Green Rips Into Victor Wembanyama for Not Shaking Hands
Among many analysts, fans, and former players, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green’s comment on Wembanyama’s postgame decision stood apart. Green openly called out the French giant for not shaking hands with the opponents after the Spurs’ loss.
“Look your killer in the face… if you leave the court and you don’t look me in my face and I just beat you. I actually know that I own you forever,” Green said.
Draymond on Wemby not shaking hands with the Brunson after the Finals:
“Look your killer in the face… if you leave the court and you don’t look me in my face and I just beat you. I actually know that I own you forever.”
(via @Money23Green, h/t @GothamJD) pic.twitter.com/5LlB5cIvTD
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 15, 2026
Talking about the Finals, Wembanyama racked up decent numbers in the series against the Knicks, but failed to stay efficient. He also lacked a reliable secondary support, as De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and others failed to live up to expectations. However, that’s just the beginning for the young Spurs; there will surely be more NBA Finals.
