Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges placed the Eastern Conference championship trophy on a table after winning it together. They previously shared celebrations at Villanova University, where Brunson and Bridges won two titles and Hart joined for one. Their time at Villanova helped refine their games and taught what it takes to win at the highest level. Hart described the moment as surreal because playing together in the NBA seemed unlikely, even if it was a dream. The championship adds to a lifelong bond and creates memories, while still leaving another goal within reach. The Knicks’ team-building process included a viral moment tied to Brunson’s return to Villanova.
"Yeah, it's something that is surreal. When you're in college and you're in that locker room, you always kind of - you know, the goal is the NBA. And you know the percent chance that you guys are gonna be on the same team is very slim, if not none. And it's always something you talk about and dream about, but you know the reality is almost impossible. So the fact that it actually came to fruition is super cool, because I know the time that these guys put in. I know where their hearts are. We already share a bond and a brotherhood for life, and this is just another step there. Obviously, this is not the ultimate goal. But, you know, you just keep adding memories to that, and these are memories that we'll have for a lifetime."
"It seemed fitting - and familiar - to see Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges climb onto the stage late Monday night carrying the Eastern Conference championship trophy and placing it on the edge of the table in front of them. The three of them had shared stages and celebrations before when they were still college students at Villanova University, with Brunson and Bridges winning two titles together while Hart joined them for one."
"And it was there that they refined their games and, maybe more than anything, learned what it took to win at the highest levels. These were the lessons that had them now sitting together with another trophy in front of them and dreams, maybe more realistic than they could have ever imagined, of another trophy just four wins away."
"It's worth celebrating but also worth recounting how it came to be. As the Knicks built this team brick by brick there is a moment that went as viral as any highlight on the court. Brunson was at Villanova University's gym on a night off of the Knicks schedule, waiting to clear out of a ceremony to retire his jersey at the school."
Read at Newsday
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