Jalen Brunson Gets Puzzled BY Reporter's Question Over NYPD's Drastic Decision

Jalen Brunson has completely transformed basketball in New York since arriving in 2022.

The Knicks are now one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, and Brunson’s rise has turned Madison Square Garden into the center of the basketball world again.

But during a recent postgame press conference, one reporter unexpectedly put Brunson in an awkward position by asking him to help reverse an NYPD decision that disappointed thousands of Knicks fans across the city.

New York’s playoff run has created massive watch party crowds around Madison Square Garden, especially outside Plaza 33, where thousands of fans gathered to watch games on giant screens.

However, the celebrations reportedly became increasingly chaotic after each Knicks victory, leading the NYPD to step in over growing safety concerns.

According to reports, the NYPD denied permits for additional official watch parties near Madison Square Garden after incidents involving public drinking, crowd control problems, and several arrests during recent celebrations.

During the press conference, one reporter decided to ask Brunson whether he would personally appeal the decision on behalf of disappointed Knicks fans.

"The watch party at Plaza 33 was cancelled by the NYPD. Fans were disappointed, obviously," the reporter told Brunson. "Would you like to ask NYPD to reconsider this decision since you're the King of New York?"

Mikal Bridges, who was sitting beside Brunson at the podium, immediately started laughing as the question landed.

Bridges could barely contain himself while Brunson sat silently for a few seconds trying to process the unexpected request.

After a long pause, Brunson finally responded.

"That's a tough one. I'll come back to you on that one," was all Brunson could muster.

Bridges then jumped in with his own joke to help ease the awkward moment.

"I don't think he's the mayor," Bridges said in hopes of helping his teammate.

While many Knicks fans were frustrated by the decision, the NYPD’s concerns stemmed from how large and difficult the celebrations had become to manage.

Knicks’ Winning Streak Created Massive Crowds Around MSG

Since losing Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the postseason, the Knicks have not lost another playoff game.

They are currently riding a 10-game playoff winning streak, the longest postseason streak in franchise history.

More importantly, the streak has pushed New York to the brink of its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Naturally, the excitement across the city has exploded with every win.

The outdoor watch parties near Madison Square Garden quickly became one of the biggest attractions of the Knicks’ playoff run.

Thousands of fans packed the streets around the arena after games, but reports of public drinking, crowd surges, and increasingly rowdy celebrations eventually created safety concerns for city officials.

According to reports, crowd sizes reached several thousand people during recent games, making it increasingly difficult for police to maintain order around the area.

Reports also stated that at least six arrests were made following recent playoff celebrations.

In response, the NYPD reportedly stopped approving permits for official watch parties directly outside Madison Square Garden, though alternate locations could still be considered later in the postseason.

For now, that means the massive outdoor crowds surrounding Madison Square Garden during Knicks games will likely disappear, even as the team moves closer to one of the biggest moments in franchise history.