‘The actual winner’: Jalen Brunson makes major move for Harry Styles

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectJalen Brunson and the New York Knicks lifted a banner in Madison Square Garden at the beginning of the NBA season last month. But on Saturday, he was on hand to witness someone else’s banner get lifted.The New York Knicks star made a surprise appearance on stage at the final night of Harry Styles’ 30-show residency at MSG, presenting the singer with a banner to commemorate the run. And the crowd made sure to let Brunson know how it felt about him before he could even get a word out.Styles’ Record RunStyles wrapped up his record-setting Together, Together residency at the Garden this weekend with a pair of “Harryween” shows. He dressed as 1970s-era Elvis Presley on Friday night and as New York’s infamous “Pizza Rat” on Saturday.The nine-week run made Styles a fixture in New York this fall, and he crossed paths with the city’s biggest sports star more than once. Brunson attended two of Styles’ earlier shows, and Styles gave him a shoutout during one of them back in September.“We may or may not have the King of New York in the house tonight … Mr. Jalen Brunson,” Styles said at the time, via ESPN. “He’s just trying to have a quiet night out — not a chance. Not in this city. It’s like Mickey Mouse going to Disneyland.”A couple of weeks ago, Styles also joined the Knicks for their banner night, as the franchise celebrated its long-awaited NBA championship.‘The Actual Winner’On Saturday, Brunson walked out on stage wearing a “TECHNO IS MY BOYFRIEND” hat, which he said that he borrwed from Styles, and was immediately greeted with loud “MVP” chants.“What’s up, everybody? My name is Jalen Brunson, and welcome to Madison Square Garden,” Brunson said.“Just wanted to be here and congratulate you on your 30th night. A couple weeks ago, Harry was so kind to join me and my team on our banner night. I thought I, on behalf of MSG and the Knicks, would do the same,” he continued.Brunson also poked a little fun at Styles.“This is my third show. Yes, my third show. He’s only been to one game, so he has some catching up to do,” Brunson said. “But without further ado, let’s pay attention to this man. This is the actual winner.”Styles had a joke of his own when the two met on stage.“Can you just, can you just make a note? We’re almost as tall as each other. Professional basketball players. Mr. Jalen Brunson, everybody,” Styles said.‘These Moments Are Incredibly Special’Styles then thanked the crowd and reflected on what the Garden means to him.“I played in this room for the first time when I was 18 years old. It really means a lot to me,” Styles said. “I want to thank you all, the people of New York, for the support over the years that I’ve been through.”He also thanked the fans who traveled to see the residency.“These moments are incredibly special to me, and, uh, these achievements marked by things like this are made up of the single moments, and I’ve enjoyed every moment with you in this room every night,” Styles said.Styles’ banner will now hang in the Garden rafters. Clearly, it’s been quite the year for championship banners at MSG.The post ‘The actual winner’: Jalen Brunson makes major move for Harry Styles appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.