Jalen Brunson just led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years. He was the unanimous Finals MVP. He’s arguably the most beloved athlete in New York right now. And before every game, he pumps himself up by listening to Justin Bieber.
That’s not a punchline. It’s a pregame ritual.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brunson joined teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and head coach Mike Brown to talk about the title run. When Fallon asked about his preparation routine, Brunson didn’t hesitate to admit he’s still a full-fledged Belieber.
“Before the games, I switch it up every now and then,” Brunson said. “But right after Mike does his pregame talk, it has to be Bieber right before I run out (to the court).”
The revelation drew immediate reaction online. The Tonight Show posted a clip with the caption, “We’re here to confirm that @jalenbrunson1 is still a Belieber.” Fans flooded the comments, many pointing out the irony of a 6-foot-2 point guard torching defenders while tracks like “Peaches” and “Yummy” blast through his headphones.
It’s not the typical locker-room playlist. No Jay-Z. No Nas. No Jadakiss. And definitely no Baha Men. But Brunson has never been a typical superstar.
Part of what made his Finals performance so compelling was his everyman persona. He’s not the most explosive athlete. He didn’t come into the league as a top pick. He just works relentlessly, thinks the game at an elite level, and apparently vibes to Bieber before stepping onto the biggest stage in basketball.
That relatability has connected him to a city that had waited more than half a century for a title. Fans saw themselves in a player who doesn’t pretend to be larger than life. He just wins.
“It does not take a lot to motivate the 29-year-old playmaker,” the Knicks organization noted internally, per sources close to the team. But Brunson has always found motivation in the doubters. The undersized label. The Villanova “system” narrative. The questions about whether he could be the guy. All of it fuel. And apparently, so is Bieber’s catalog.
The Knicks’ championship run ended one of the longest droughts in professional sports history. Brunson’s legend grew with every playoff series. But for all the glory, the clutch shots, and the Finals MVP trophy, it’s the small quirks — like a grown man blasting teenage pop music before tip-off — that make the story stick.
As one fan put it online: “Imagine getting cooked by a guy who listens to ‘Peaches.’”
Brunson made an entire city believe. And if the soundtrack to that belief includes a little Bieber, who are we to judge?
Shout whenever. He’ll be there.
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