New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson made his acting debut on Thursday’s episode of "Law & Order: SVU," playing a fellow police detective who assists Captain Olivia Benson, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay.
The episode, titled "Forsaken," saw Benson investigating a case involving a teenage girl assaulted at a wedding. Brunson's character, Detective Madison, provided Benson with crucial information about the girl's stepfather, whom Madison had previously arrested.
Brunson’s appearance also featured a brief cameo from his father, former player and current Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, who entered a cafe during a scene. Brunson's character referenced his career success, stating, "I focused on my goals, did 110%. Things worked out," a line interpreted as a nod to the Knicks' recent championship win.
While Brunson's acting delivery was described as stiff, an acting teacher noted he did a "decent" job for a newcomer. The appearance follows his earlier guest spot hosting "Saturday Night Live" on September 26.
"Law & Order: SVU," which has been airing since 1999, has a history of featuring non-actor celebrities, including Snoop Dogg and Serena Williams.
Brunson expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling the experience "weird" but "pretty cool."
The episode aired on NBC on November 5 and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.