Stephon Marbury Apologizes to Jalen Brunson After Viral Knicks Moment
The New York Knicks achieved their eighth-straight victory in the NBA Playoffs, staging a huge comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals to win 115-104 in overtime.
Jalen Brunson was the driving force in the win, scoring tough layups and shots as he and teammates cut down the Cavs’ double-digit lead, tied the game, and forced overtime, where they took over.
Knicks fans were understandably excited as they watched their team battle back, and, along with celebrities like Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Spike Lee, former players attended to support the team.
Among them were Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and Stephon Marbury, the latter of whom appeared in a late-game moment that went viral and created a bit of controversy.
During the overtime session, the Knicks had already taken their first lead of the game since what seemed like forever. Ahead 103-101, Brunson dribbled into the lane past James Harden and put up a floater over the outstretched arm of Cleveland’s Max Strus.
More news:Nike Shares 8-Word Reaction to Jalen Brunson After Knicks' Comeback Win
That bucket was good, extending the Knicks’ lead to four points and sending the MSG fans into further excitement. Marbury, who was seated near the front row of the baseline area behind that basket, stood up and celebrated with his pal John Starks.
However, Marbury went slightly too far, stepping onto the court with his foot as he cheered on the hometown squad. That may have riled up some Cavaliers fans, but Marbury didn’t apologize to them.
“I would like to issue a formal apology to every Knicks fan, every security guard, and especially Jalen Brunson not because I stole his shine, because I could never. That man owned the Garden. I just got swept up in the current like a plastic bag. My energy flew out of the roof, I lost my mind, and my feet carried me somewhere they didn’t belong. Thank you to the fans for the positive reaction it felt great, which is honestly concerning. Now… how about we run that back? Just kidding. Unless Jalen hits another one. Then all bets are off,” he wrote in his X message.
Marbury’s moment caught the attention of some critical fans, suggesting that maybe a technical foul should have been called. However, typically, referees would issue a delay-of-game warning, especially if a fan interferes with play by going onto the court.
The former NBA star didn’t disrupt the game; he briefly stepped one foot onto the court to celebrate after players headed to the opposite end.
Marbury had a 13-year career in the NBA, which included playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves alongside Kevin Garnett, then joining the New Jersey Nets with Derrick Coleman, the Phoenix Suns, the Boston Celtics, and the Knicks.
He spent 2004 through 2009 in New York, but those teams never had any meaningful playoff runs. Marbury’s never been to the NBA Finals, either. His most playoff games were with the 2008-09 Celtics, who lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The two-time NBA All-Star is now living vicariously through Brunson and this Knicks team that is clearly much more of a contender than previous versions.
While they’ve only won Game 1 of a seven-game series, their recent win streak suggests they’re focused on reaching the Finals, which would be the franchise’s first since 1999.
More news:Dan Gilbert Sends Strong Message on Cavs After Game 1 Loss to Knicks
For more about the New York Knicks and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 6:03 PM.