Jalen Brunson Reveals Emotional Text Josh Hart Sent After Winning NBA Title

New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges became the first set of teammates to win a national title in college and an NBA title together when the New York Knicks bested the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals to win the Knicks’ first championship since 1973.

Brunson, named NBA Finals MVP, co-hosts the “Roommates Show” podcast with Hart, and they often rib each other. But don’t let their sense of humor fool you.

While appearing on “TODAY” show with Jenna Bush Hager on Monday, Brunson, Bridges, and Hart were asked if their first NBA title felt “extra special” because they’ve already won together at Villanova.

“It’s a lot more special knowing me and Mikal have one more [championship] than Josh,” Brunson said. Again, don’t let the quick wit fool you.

Jokes aside, Brunson added, “”It’s special knowing that, when we were younger, we all had a goal of obviously trying to make it to the NBA and, in that long-term goal, we were able to achieve something great in college. Obviously, me and Mikal achieving something great twice - more than Josh - […] but it’s awesome knowing that, no matter what’s the situation going on, we all have each other’s back. We all know that we all have love for each other.

“Not to continue to get on [Hart], but he had a great text the other day, yesterday. He was like, ‘I don’t know if I can say this in person because I may be emotional, but I really love you guys, and it really means the most to me to know you guys are here doing this with me.’ So we have a special bond.”

Brunson, Bridges, Hart, and the rest of the Villanova Wildcats won the 2016 NCAA national championship, and then Hart went in the first round (30th overall) in the 2017 NBA Draft. Brunson and Bridges were on the 2017-18 Villanova team that won the 2018 NCAA national championship. The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Bridges 10th overall in 2018, while Brunson went in the second round (33rd overall) to the Dallas Mavericks in that draft.

Brunson signed with the Knicks in July 2022, and Bridges and Hart soon followed him to New York. The Knicks acquired Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2023. Bridges was at the center of a blockbuster trade in July 2024, in which the Brooklyn Nets sent him to the Knicks in exchange for five first-round draft picks. The rest is history.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 6:18 PM.