Knicks’ Jalen Brunson in ‘Saturday Night Live’ promo ahead of debut as host

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks star, appears in a Saturday Night Live promo doing a sketch with comedian Ben Marshall. The sketch is built around the keys to the city that Knicks players received after winning the 2026 NBA title.

As Bleacher Report reports, Brunson won the Finals MVP award after scoring 45 points in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs, a win that secured the Knicks’ first title in 53 years. He will become the first active NBA player to host the show since LeBron James in 2007, and the fifth player to take on the role in the show’s history, after names like Bill Russell, LeBron James, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan.

The 52nd season of Saturday Night Live begins Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and on the Peacock platform, with Brunson as host and KATSEYE as musical guest. Bleacher Report notes that the show marks Brunson’s debut as host and is expected to draw attention beyond the basketball court.