The New York Knicks might have lost another preseason game, but Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson are already giving fans a reason to smile. Just days into their preparations for the new season, the longtime friends have reminded everyone that their chemistry extends well beyond the basketball court.
Following New York’s narrow 111-109 defeat to the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on October 8, Hart decided that Brunson’s postgame interview needed a little interruption. His reason? Apparently, Brunson had to pay for dinner.
It was classic Hart: mischievous, perfectly timed and guaranteed to get people talking. The Knicks may still be searching for their rhythm on the court, but their most entertaining friendship appears to be operating at full strength.
A Friendship Built Long Before the NBA Spotlight
Hart and Brunson’s friendship goes back to their college days at Villanova, where they were part of a successful basketball programme before eventually becoming teammates in New York.
That history helps explain why their interactions feel different from the usual exchanges between professional athletes. They are not simply teammates who get along; they have years of shared experiences that allow them to joke around without every comment needing to be taken seriously.
Their banter has become a familiar feature of Knicks coverage. Hart has previously poked fun at Brunson’s appearance on Saturday Night Live and even interrupted a press conference to order food, giving fans plenty of reasons to expect another prank whenever the pair are together.
The latest dinner-related interruption fits that pattern perfectly.
Hart called out to Brunson during his postgame media session, saying, “Hey JB! You’ve got to pay for dinner, I forgot my wallet.”
It was a simple joke, but the timing made it even funnier. Brunson was attempting to handle his media responsibilities after a disappointing result, only for his friend to turn the moment into another opportunity for mischief.
Whether Brunson actually paid for dinner remains unclear. But if Hart was hoping to get a laugh out of the situation, he certainly gave Knicks fans something to talk about.
The Knicks Have Bigger Problems to Solve on the Court
While Hart and Brunson were providing entertainment off the court, New York’s preseason results have offered a few basketball questions for head coach Mike Brown.
The defeat against Washington was the Knicks’ second consecutive preseason loss. They had opened their exhibition schedule with a 120-97 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on October 5, leaving them 0-2 heading into their next game.
The first defeat was particularly rough from three-point range, with New York converting just eight of 41 attempts from beyond the arc.
Brunson returned to live action after offseason wrist surgery in that game, scoring a team-high 12 points in 15 minutes. His assessment was measured rather than dramatic: “a good first step. Not a great first step.”
That is probably the right way to approach preseason basketball. The results matter less than getting the key players back into rhythm, building chemistry and figuring out which combinations work best before the games begin to count.
Against Washington, the Knicks lost by just two points, 111-109, despite another uneven offensive performance. Hart and Brunson each finished with 13 points, while the team shot 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range.
Those numbers suggest there is still work to do. However, two exhibition defeats are hardly enough to justify panic, particularly for a team that has only recently returned from a long championship run.
Mike Brown Is Looking for the Right Balance
One of the biggest challenges facing Brown is preparing a veteran team for another demanding season without asking too much of its key players too soon.
New York’s core includes Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Hart. They provide a strong foundation, but finding the right balance between established stars and the supporting cast will be crucial.
Brown has also made it clear that players outside the established core must earn their opportunities. Following a disappointing practice, he delivered a pointed message to the reserves and those competing for roster spots, stressing that guaranteed roles do not extend to everybody.
That approach makes sense. A team cannot rely exclusively on its biggest names over an entire NBA season, particularly when injuries, fatigue and difficult matchups inevitably arrive.
The preseason gives Brown an opportunity to test different lineups and identify the players capable of making a difference when the starters need a rest.
The Knicks’ opening performances have exposed some shooting concerns, but they have also provided valuable minutes for players attempting to establish themselves. The coaching staff still has time to make adjustments before the regular season begins.
And if Hart and Brunson continue bringing their usual energy into the locker room, that positive atmosphere could be useful while the team works through its early problems.
Why Their Chemistry Matters for New York
Basketball chemistry is difficult to measure through a box score, but it can make a real difference over a long season.
Hart brings intensity, rebounding and versatility, while Brunson is the team’s offensive leader and one of its most important decision-makers. Their ability to communicate and understand each other can help New York function more smoothly when games become tight.
Their friendship also creates a relaxed environment around a team facing significant expectations. After a successful previous campaign, the Knicks will inevitably encounter pressure to prove that their success was not a one-off achievement.
That pressure can become exhausting if every disappointing performance creates tension. Having teammates who can laugh together, challenge each other and move on from setbacks is a valuable part of maintaining a healthy team environment.
Of course, joking around does not automatically translate into victories. The Knicks still need to execute offensively, defend consistently and find dependable production from their bench.
But there is no reason those objectives cannot coexist with a bit of fun.
Hart’s interruption was not evidence that New York is ignoring its preseason struggles. It was simply a reminder that professional athletes can take their work seriously without treating every moment as a crisis.
The Knicks’ Next Test
New York’s next preseason contest is scheduled for October 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That will provide another opportunity for Brown’s team to improve its offensive rhythm and continue preparing for the regular season.
The priority should be steady progress rather than chasing a perfect preseason record. Brunson needs to regain his rhythm following surgery, the starters need to build their conditioning, and the supporting cast must show it can contribute when called upon.
Meanwhile, Hart will presumably continue doing what he does best: competing hard on the court and finding new ways to annoy his close friend away from it.
The dinner joke was a small moment, but it captured something fans enjoy about this Knicks team. Even after a frustrating defeat, there is still room for personality, friendship and laughter.
The real verdict will come when the regular season begins and New York faces opponents determined to challenge its ambitions.
Until then, Hart and Brunson have already reminded everyone that their partnership remains one of the team’s most entertaining features.
Now the question is whether that familiar chemistry can help New York turn its early preseason frustrations into another successful campaign.
Do you think Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson have the best friendship in the NBA, or is there another teammate duo that deserves that honour?