Jalen Brunson is being treated like royalty in New York and deservedly so after leading the Knicks to an NBA championship for the first time in 53 years. He probably never has to pay for a meal again in New York.
Over the past few days, several videos of Brunson’s royal treatment in New York have gone viral. Most recently, Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson seem to have found themselves on the wrong side of a video.
Michael Porter Jr. was seen checking in with the maitre d outside Cafe Zaffri in New York City along with his former teammate, Peyton Watson. At the same time, Brunson arrived at the restaurant with his wife and strolled into Cafe Zaffri without any stoppages on the way.
Net: You on the list?
Knick: Go right in
(📸:jairo. media) pic.twitter.com/hp90ybDSrg
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 26, 2026
Even though Porter Jr. and Watson followed Brunson into the restaurant a few seconds later, the NBA fans on the internet did not let the Nets’ star forward forget about this moment.
Especially the Knicks’ fans made this video go viral as they flooded the comments section, deeming Brunson ‘the King of New York’. But they also trolled Porter Jr. simply because he doesn’t have the same fame as Brunson today.
“Michael Porter seeing Jalen Brunson get through from the corner of his eye. The Nets absolutely have to leave New York.”
“Yeah, the man in the black shirt received JB as he got off his vehicle and smoothly escorted him through the checkpoint, whereas others had to wait. VIP treatment for a VIP guy, JB.”
“That’s the King of New York.”
“The ‘Are you on the list?’ to ‘Go right in, Mr. Brunson’ transition is VIOLENT. Michael Porter Jr. catching strays just for being a Net 💀 .”
“That’s the difference between being recognized and being known. Brunson doesn’t need a guest list anymore.”
“MPJ just isn’t a star like Brunson is.”
“Brunson’s the undisputed King of New York while MPJ is just another random tall guy getting carded at the door – Knicks fame hits different 😂🔥.”
This must truly be a humbling experience for Michael Porter Jr. The two stars are a part of the same draft class (2018) where Porter Jr. was selected ahead of Brunson. But now, Jalen Brunson has elevated to the level of a superstar, especially for New York residents.
Mind you, even Michael Porter Jr has an NBA championship, but he wasn’t the Finals MVP in 2023 and won it with the Nuggets, not the Nets. Therefore, in New York, it is evident that the value of Brunson’s championship is seen as much more than that of Porter Jr.
Jalen Brunson moving around NYC & multiple New Yorkers step in & protect him from the Rain using their personal Umbrellas as they walk him to his ride ☔️
Brunson is now treated like Royalty after winning a Championship for the New York Knicks. The city really needed it 🗽 pic.twitter.com/TkRIbldbB4
— CulturedUpdates (@CulturedUpdatez) July 23, 2026
It remains to be seen if the Nets, seeing this differential local treatment, will fuel Michael Porter Jr. and his teammates to elevate their level of play in 2026-27. For now, Jalen Brunson enjoys what seems to be a ‘King of New York’ pass for everything in New York.
