Actor Ben Stiller Banks on Jalen Brunson and Co to End Knicks’ Misery After “Tough” Melo Times

Die-hard New York Knicks fan Ben Stiller expressed his excitement about the team’s resurgence. Stiller is a lifelong Knicks supporter who had witnessed the glory days of the 1970s Knicks championship team. While the renowned actor and filmmaker has watched the journey of the Knicks, he wants to see NYK come out on top of the NBA once again, especially with Jalen Brunson leading the charge.

Making an appearance at the Roommates Show podcast, Ben Stiller talked about several Knicks moments throughout history. Moreover, he also recounted several matches and superstars he watched live as a kid. However, while speaking with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Stiller also delved into a very hyped era of the Knicks. Namely, the Carmelo Anthony Era, when the NYK fans felt utterly frustrated for not winning the NBA championship.

The Carmelo Anthony days that could have ended New York’s title drought

Talking about the 2010s when New York tried to build a dynasty around Carmelo Anthony, Ben Stiller said, “It was a really tough time, you know, the 2010s. I mean there were a lot of long, I mean we had Melo, and there were periods of time, and those teams, but overall it’s been tough sledding until you guys came along.”

Ben Stiller further expressed his faith in the Jalen Brunson-led Knicks squad, “There definitely is like true excitement about the Knicks now, and as you know, like a fan base that’s like really so hungry for it.” He also noted, “There’s nothing compared to this city, this fanbase, this team… The intensity of basketball fans in New York is unlike anything else, and with social media now, the engagement is even more intense.”

Stiller’s take reflects back on the days when Carmelo Anthony, someone who was considered one of Kobe Bryant’s top rivals, was signed by the Knicks. Anthony secured an All-Star spot for all the seasons he played for New York. Moreover, he even became the highest scorer in the league in the 2013 season. However, that sheer talent didn’t translate into an NBA Championship.

Now, while Stiller placed his faith in Jalen Brunson and his team, he also told him and Josh Hart about the stakes. New York last won an NBA ring back in 1973, and 51 years have elapsed since the Knicks have lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy. However, the young NYK star didn’t seem very pressured about the situation. In fact, he said that the entire roster of the New York Knicks is playing with zero worries.

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Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are ready for anything

Jalen Brunson is focused on winning this season and he believes that the NYK isn’t stressed about anything. He said, “There’s no pressure, but I definitely feel the energy,” He also noted, “The best part is we don’t have guys who are truly into pressure. We are all about business and working as hard as you can… If we win we learn from that & if we lose we move on from it”

The New York Knicks currently occupy the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their number of wins isn’t very impressive compared to the teams that trail it in the rankings. Moreover, the New York Knicks are dealing with the injuries of three of its major stars, which means they aren’t at their full strength right now. Will Jalen Brunson and the Knicks finally taste victory in the 2024 season?

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