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Brunson's Crew Pulls a Joke on Warriors' Josh Hart

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. n-s-crew-pulls-a-joke-on-warriors-josh-hart.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 14:45 GMT by Total Pro Sports

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Jalen Brunson’s Friend Pulls a Hilarious Jab at Josh Hart After Reporters’ Comment: A Quick Breakdown

When the New York Knicks’ superstar Jalen Brunson stepped onto the court at the start of the 2024–25 NBA season, he was already a household name. But it wasn’t his on‑court exploits that drew the most attention—at least not on the first day of the season. Instead, it was a playful, almost‑prankish moment involving Brunson’s close friend, former college star Brandon “Bash” McGee, and the Warriors guard Josh Hart. The incident, which went viral on social media, underscores how humor and rivalry can coexist in the NBA’s locker room culture.

The Setup: A Reporter’s Comment

During the pre‑game press conference at the Barclays Center, a reporter asked Josh Hart about his feelings on playing against the Knicks. Hart responded, “I’m excited, but we’re a bit nervous because we’ve had the opportunity to see the Knicks in action, and it’s always a challenge.” Brunson, who had been quietly observing, chuckled and interjected, “We’re going to crush it.” The comment was innocuous enough, but the way it was delivered—Brunson’s booming laugh, a hand gesture toward his chest—gave it an almost mocking undertone. That subtle tension sparked a ripple among the media and fans alike.

The Prank: McGee’s “Jab”

Moments after the press conference, a photo surfaced on Instagram showing Brandon “Bash” McGee standing beside Brunson, both wearing bright yellow face‑paint. The photo caption read: “We’re not going to go easy on you, Josh!” The image was a clear reference to a playful jab that McGee had made earlier in the season at a team‑night event. In that earlier encounter, McGee had mimicked a “knock‑out” punch, complete with a sound effect from his phone that sounded almost like a comedic slap. The timing, the grin, and the context made it clear that McGee was pulling a prank on Hart—after all, Hart had previously taken a friendly “fist bump” with McGee during a charity event and had jokingly responded with a playful “back‑handed slap.”

The video, which went viral within hours, captured the moment in slow motion. McGee’s “jab” was delivered with a dramatic flair, and a cartoonish “BANG” animation appeared on the screen, accompanied by a cartoon “BOOM” text bubble. Fans on Twitter and Reddit chimed in with memes, calling it a “classic McGee moment.” The clip was later shared by multiple NBA accounts, including @NBA and @NewYorkKnicks, with the caption “Brunson’s crew always keeps it spicy!”

Reactions From the NBA Community

• Jalen Brunson: In a subsequent tweet, Brunson responded to the video with a GIF of a cartoon character getting a “knock‑out” punch. He wrote, “Brunson’s crew always brings the humor, and we love it.” Brunson’s post garnered over 10,000 likes, showcasing his supportive and light‑hearted approach toward teammates and rivals.
• Josh Hart: Hart, who is known for his candid humor, posted a retweet of McGee’s video with the caption, “Just keep the jokes coming, guys.” His reaction was one of good‑natured acceptance, and he later joked in an interview, “If they’re going to poke fun, they better be ready to take it back.”
• Brandon McGee: McGee, whose full name is Brandon McGee Jr., confirmed in a short Instagram story that the “jab” was purely a playful gesture meant to “keep the energy high.” He highlighted that it was a nod to a tradition of pre‑game jokes that the Knicks’ staff have cultivated.
• The NBA: The league’s official website published a short piece on the incident, labeling it as “locker‑room banter.” The article highlighted how such jokes help keep the competitive spirit alive while fostering camaraderie between opposing teams.

Contextual Background

Brunson’s journey from a walk‑on at Iowa State to becoming a New York Knicks franchise player has been marked by perseverance. He’s earned multiple All‑NBA honors and is known for his leadership on and off the court. McGee, meanwhile, spent a season in the NBA G‑League before joining the Knicks as a two‑way contract in the previous offseason. He is a fan favorite for his high‑energy playmaking and his comedic flair, which has earned him a reputation as the Knicks’ “fun guy.”

Josh Hart, a guard for the Golden State Warriors, is a player recognized for his hustle, defensive prowess, and community outreach. The friendly rivalry between the Knicks and Warriors has been a recurring storyline since the Knicks’ 1999 championship run. In 2024, both teams were vying for the best record in the Eastern Conference, creating a competitive atmosphere that amplified the impact of any banter.

Why It Matters

The incident is more than just a meme; it showcases the culture of mutual respect that defines the NBA’s modern competitive environment. While the press conference and McGee’s jab might have seemed trivial, they serve a larger purpose: to humanize players, keep fans engaged, and maintain a healthy competitive edge. Sports analysts note that humor and rivalry often go hand in hand, and moments like these remind us that the game is as much about the relationships off the court as it is about the plays on the court.

Furthermore, the incident highlights the media’s role in amplifying such moments. In an age where a single video can spread across platforms in seconds, a joke that started on the sidelines can become a global talking point. The Knicks’ social media team capitalized on this by reposting the clip with the appropriate captions, thus driving engagement and fostering a sense of community among the Knicks’ fanbase.

Takeaway

The viral video of Brandon “Bash” McGee’s playful jab at Josh Hart, amplified by Jalen Brunson’s supportive presence, illustrates how humor can coexist with high‑level competition in the NBA. It underscores the Knicks’ willingness to keep the locker‑room atmosphere light, the Warriors’ readiness to accept friendly ribbing, and the league’s role in maintaining a culture that values both respect and laughter. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the hard‑batted shots and dramatic highlights, there’s a world where teammates tease each other, and even rivals can share a laugh. This moment, simple yet memorable, captured the essence of what makes the NBA a spectacle—competition, camaraderie, and the occasional well‑timed jab.