Jalen Brunson Hosts SNL as Knicks Teammates Drop By for Opening Monologue

Saturday Night Live kicked off its 52nd season with host Jalen Brunson, fresh off leading the Knicks to the 2026 NBA Championship. Deadline notes the host was joined onstage by teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart during his opening monologue. The team-related cameo followed the Knicks’ June title win over the San Antonio Spurs, the franchise’s first since 1973.

Brunson referenced the team’s success and teased the live show’s format with his teammates. In one moment, he told Towns that you can’t “foul out of SNL,” prompting Towns to reply, “So I could be here like the whole show? Nice!”

Bridges quipped about his arms and Brunson confirmed he has a “great wingspan,” Bridges replying, “Yet, I’ll never fly.”

Anunoby recalled a late-game play from Game 4, with Brunson saying, “Yeah, you tipped it in,” and Anunoby laughing, “Oh yeah, that was awesome.”

Hart asked about a reported $113 million pay cut Brunson took to stay with the Knicks; Brunson answered that he did not know if the money is still available and then playfully referenced a Cup Ceremony moment when Hart bumped him, calling it funny.

Deadline notes the episode also featured host Brunson and musical guest Katseye, with SNL’s season continuing with upcoming hosts Dakota Johnson, Shane Gillis and Inde Navarrette and musical guests Turnstile, Rosalía and Gracie Abrams.

Source: Deadline

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