If you happened to watch the Knicks for even a single game this season, then you probably saw Jalen Brunson hit a 3-pointer. That is not a shocking sight considering he is a 38.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc in his career.
The confusion starts after the 28-year-old sees the ball go through the net.
Rather than throwing up the typical three fingers in the air, Brunson enjoys doing a different type of celebration. What exactly is the inspiration behind his move?
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Jalen Brunson 3-point celebration, explained
For those unfamiliar with Brunson’s motion, here’s an example:
Brunson brings his hand up to his face, then puts his nose between his index finger and thumb. He flashes three fingers as he turns and runs to the other end of the floor.
The origin of the celebration has long been shrouded in mystery. In a 2023 interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters after a decisive postseason win over the Cavaliers, Brunson refused to share any details on the gesture’s dawning.
“Don’t worry about it,” Brunson told Salters.
Brunson later apologized for the comment, saying his response “came off a little arrogant on my part.” However, he still wouldn’t divulge the secret of the celebration.
With Brunson remaining quiet, the “No Dunks” podcast crew offered a theory that made some sense. Argentinian soccer player Paulo Dybala has a similar celebration in which he places his hand in front of his face, giving himself a gladiator mask.
What is Jalen Brunson’s hand celebration? 🫳🏽 pic.twitter.com/6qdsl7o9BC
— No Dunks (@NoDunksInc) April 18, 2023
So, did Brunson copy Dybala’s hand gesture and add his own twist? Nope.
Brunson finally provided an answer to the question that so many fans and media members had been asking, telling Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks that, well, it’s just something he did in 2022.
Just spoke to Jalen Brunson about this heavily discussed 3 point celebration. He laughed and said he actually isn’t even sure how it started, just a thing he did once last year and kept it going pic.twitter.com/dLmRD1Fazl
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) April 24, 2023
Sure, the celebration may look a little odd, but Knicks fans are hoping that they see a lot more of it in the years to come.
