Knicks Stars Reflect on Growth, Grit, and Global Impact During All-Star Weekend
Two Knicks made appearances at this year’s All-Star festivities, and while neither walked away with a trophy, the weekend offered a deeper look into the mindset of two of New York’s most compelling players: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
There were no banners raised or buzzer-beaters to dissect, but what we got instead was a rare window into the personalities and perspectives that drive these guys - both on the hardwood and off of it.
Jalen Brunson: Built Different, Staying Present
Jalen Brunson doesn’t just play with poise - he lives it. When asked about the addition of Jeremy Sochan, Brunson didn’t hesitate to highlight the intangibles.
“I think he brings a level of toughness,” Brunson said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s been a great teammate. So I’m very excited.”
That’s classic Brunson - zero fluff, all focus. He knows what it takes to build a winning locker room, and he’s quick to recognize pieces that fit.
When the conversation shifted to personal goals, Brunson kept things close to the vest. He admitted he writes down both long-term and short-term goals at the start of each year - but don’t expect him to share that list anytime soon.
“I’m still chasing a lot,” he said. “I keep that to myself.”
That mindset was shaped in part by last year’s bitter end in the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson hasn’t forgotten the sting of falling short, and he’s not skipping steps trying to get back.
“You can’t just jump right back into where we were,” he said. “You’ve got to go through the journey all over again. So it’s taking it one day at a time, step by step.”
That approach - grounded, methodical, and mature beyond his years - is exactly why the Knicks trust him to lead.
Brunson also had high praise for Jose Alvarado, who joined the team at the deadline and has already made an impression with his relentless energy.
“He’s already impacting our team and it’s going to be great for the Garden,” Brunson said. “Fans are going to love him if they don’t already.”
Off the court, Brunson showed his lighter side, revealing a surprising dream podcast guest - Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay - and playfully calling out Knicks teammate No. 3 (that’s Josh Hart, for those keeping score) as the “most annoying person ever.”
When it comes to game-day prep, Brunson is all about routine and repetition. His confidence, he says, is built long before tip-off.
“Your confidence comes from your work ethic. That’s how I prepare.”
And yes, he remembers his first NBA bucket. It was a two-handed dunk - a rarity in his game - coming off a Julius Randle turnover in a chaotic sequence against the Lakers.
Brunson also touched on his podcast, now in its third year, which he co-hosts with Hart. He sees it as more than just a side project.
“It’s its own platform… possibly life after basketball if we want to continue it.”
Finally, when asked about Jason Tatum’s potential return from injury, Brunson kept it classy.
“You never want to see that from anyone in any sport,” he said. “Basketball fans around the world are excited to see him come back.”
Karl-Anthony Towns: Carrying the Flag and the Future
For Karl-Anthony Towns, the All-Star stage is about more than accolades - it’s about representation. As a proud Dominican-American, Towns knows he’s playing for more than just himself.
“I know this is bigger than me,” he said. “I’m super happy I have the opportunity to show Dominican kids it’s possible - not only to get a scholarship, but to make the NBA.”
He made sure to shout out the Dominican trailblazers who paved the way - names like Charlie Villanueva, Francisco Garcia, Felipe Lopez, and Al Horford - and emphasized how much it means to carry that torch forward.
Towns credits his Dominican roots for shaping his approach to the game.
“The work ethic, the passion. Dominicans are passionate about family, about food, about having a good time. I translate that passion into my game.”
That fire was on full display when he suited up for the Dominican Republic during the FIBA World Cup. For Towns, that moment transcended basketball.
“Playing with my mother’s country on my chest… that’s something I won’t forget,” he said. “I’m super happy our country got the win.”
He also spoke about the potential of international basketball and the untapped talent around the world.
“Some guys fall through the cracks but have the talent and work ethic. It would be cool to see those guys get a chance to show their talents and live their dream.”
When asked about the differences between life in New York and Los Angeles, Towns kept it real - it’s all about family.
“In New York, I’ve got my family - my father, grandmother, my whole Dominican family. In LA, my fiancée’s family is here. Happy mother-in-law solves a lot of problems.”
Towns also addressed the Knicks’ trade deadline moves, acknowledging the emotional side of roster changes.
“It’s unfortunate losing someone like Yabu, who was a big part of our locker room. But I’m glad to see him thriving in Chicago.”
As for Jose Alvarado, Towns echoed Brunson’s excitement.
“Jose brings a lot of energy. It’s great to have someone who can jolt the game whenever we need it.”
And when reflecting on his place in the game, Towns made it clear: he’s not just here to play - he’s here to inspire.
“It’s special. I’m honored to be in this position to show the next generation that it’s possible - to show them where I’ve been successful and where I’ve made mistakes, so they don’t make the same ones.”
The Bigger Picture
Neither Brunson nor Towns left the All-Star weekend with a trophy, but both walked away having shared something more meaningful - a glimpse into the mindset of two players who understand the weight of leadership, the value of legacy, and the grind it takes to chase greatness.
In a season where the Knicks are pushing toward something special, it’s clear their stars are locked in - not just on the next game, but on the bigger picture. And that’s the kind of energy that travels far beyond the All-Star break.