Mamdani draws mixed reactions for using Knicks star Jalen Brunson’s signature celebration in opening remarks
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New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani referenced New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson during the mayor’s inaugural address on Thursday, and even appeared to make a gesture that resembled Brunson’s signature celebration.
The measure generated mixed responses on social networks.
The reference came nine minutes into the speech, when Mamdani proclaimed that “excellence is no longer the exception,” adding that the city “expects greatness” from “our base at Madison Square Garden.” During that comment, the mayor covered his face with his hand, appearing to replicate Brunson’s celebration, but then transformed the gesture into wiping his face.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers his inaugural address on Thursday, January 1 in front of City Hall. (News/Pool)
Footage of the moment circulated on social media, with some Knicks fans appreciating the reference, but many others in the city and across the country criticizing Mamdani for his democratic socialist agenda.
Former Kansas City Chiefs preseason player Chris Manno was one of many who criticized Mamdani, suggesting Brunson will “hate” the new mayor.
“The Captain will hate this clown as soon as he finds out how much of his next contract will go to supporting those who don’t feel the need to work in that corrupt city,” Manno wrote in response to the X clip.
Cryptocurrency influencer account Dr. Evil of Crypto suggested that Brunson would not align with Mamdani’s values.
“Brunson is a conservative, religious and family-oriented man. He would never associate with this vile and hateful person,” the influencer wrote in an X response. Brunson’s religion and political views are not publicly disclosed as he has not made any statements regarding the matter. Brunson went to the private Catholic university Villanova for his undergraduate degree.
Local New York City news aggregator City Desk NYC’s account called Mamdani’s gesture “clown behavior.”
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks during a media day press conference at the MSG training facility in Tarrytown, NY. (Images by Brad Penner-Imagn)
“Brunson’s cosplay of Mamdani is the ultimate clown behavior. He’s here stealing Jalen’s celebration while his policies steal New York’s future,” the account wrote in an X response. “Brunson offers victories. Mamdani offers excuses.”
Several other users mocked or condemned Mamdani for the gesture.
However, other users praised Mamdani for the gesture and reference during the speech.
Brunson received 27 votes in the recent mayoral election via write-in ballots.
In October, the Knicks sent a cease-and-desist letter to Mamdani’s campaign after he used a logo similar to the team’s for a campaign ad, News Digital confirmed at the time.
Mamdani posted the logo on Instagram with the caption: “This is our year. This is our moment. #NewYorkForever.” The location of the post was Madison Square Garden. It has since been removed.
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In a statement, the Knicks made it clear that they “do not support Mr. Mamdani for mayor.”
“The NY Knicks have sent New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani a cease and desist letter for using the NY Knicks logo to promote his candidacy. The Knicks want to make it clear that we do not endorse Mr. Mamdani for mayor and oppose his use of our copyrighted logo. We will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights.”
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Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to Title IX enforcement and in mainstream media outlets such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The News and ESPN.com.