Mariska Hargitay, a noted fan of the New York Knicks, opened the Emmy Awards with a cold open that featured a surprise appearance from Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Hargitay, who was hosting the awards show airing on NBC, began the segment by expressing the pressure of hosting, asking an unseen individual if they had ever felt the weight of millions of eyes on them. The camera then cut to Brunson, who was steaming a blue Knicks jersey.
"Seriously?" Brunson responded. Hargitay then replied, "Hey Jalen, it's just me, alright. I don't have anyone to tap it in for me," referencing a memorable play from Game 4 of the NBA Finals where OG Anunoby tipped in the game-winning basket after Brunson's shot missed.
Hargitay's support for the Knicks is well-documented. She was a frequent presence during the team's championship run and was seen embracing Brunson after a pivotal game in the NBA Finals.
Brunson himself has previously spoken about his admiration for Hargitay and the long-running crime drama "Law & Order: SVU," in which she stars. He mentioned on his podcast, "The Roommates Show," that he grew up watching the series, with its iconic theme song often heard throughout his home.
He also recalled being starstruck upon their first meeting, describing the encounter as "awesome."