New York Knicks Take the Stage with Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show‑Style Appearance
The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA title on Monday by appearing on The Tonight Show after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Finals. Host Jimmy Fallon hosted the team and introduced them to a live audience, which included acclaimed Knicks supporter Spike Lee.
During the segment a signature sneaker became the focus of a ritual that began when guard Josh Hart untied his laces in the seconds before the Knicks’ 137–98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. Fallon replicated the action each game and asked each player to autograph the shoe. After Hart signed the sneaker, a release line from the ceiling lowered the item onto the stage, and the team lifted it toward the marquee.
Bringing the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy for the first time in a verbal promise, forward Jalen Brunson met Fallon on the show. Brunson also shared routine superstitions that helped his team, including a pre‑game playlist with Justin Bieber and a personal lucky charm from girlfriend Jordyn Woods.
The crew explained the origin of Coach Mike Brown’s popular “Who let the dogs out” chant, noting it stemmed from Brown’s former youth football coaching days.
The appearance is part of a broader celebratory tour culminating in a ticker‑tape parade slated for Thursday, June 18 at Battery Park. Prior to the parade the Knicks will also appear on the TODAY show to discuss the championship’s impact on New York City.