Knicks’ Jalen Brunson says his father was teasing him during 3-point contest at 2024 All-Star Weekend

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson made his first appearance in the All-Star Game and Three-Point Contest last weekend in Indianapolis, and was given a rude welcome by a heckler on Saturday night’s All-Star Game. But before he got too upset, he realized the comments were coming from his father.

Brunson told the story on the latest episode of his new radio show, “Roommites Show,” with Knicks teammate Josh Hart.

“I heard a man behind the bench, and a bald man sitting behind the bench,” Bronson said. “I heard, ‘You’re a bum!’ “I was like, ‘Who just said that?’ My dad was like, ‘Yes, with this bonus we could have finished my basement.’”

Despite hara*sment from his father, Bronson had a strong showing in the first round of the event, finishing with 24 points. That mark would be enough to lead most years, but there was some strong shooting in Indy this time. Each participant submitted at least 20 points in the first round, with four tied at the top with 26 points. Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard went on to win the event for the second time in his career.

The good news for Brunson is that the Mavericks declined to offer Jalen a four-year, $55 million extension again in 2021-22, and he signed for $104 million with the Knicks that summer. With that kind of money, there should be some left over to rebuild the basement.

Brunson is having the best season of his career, averaging 27.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.5 a*sists per game, while shooting 41.1% from 3-point range. Thanks to his leadership, the Knicks emerged from the All-Star break in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 33-22, and are on pace to make the playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons.