Sandra Brunson, mother of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, has revealed that she sends her son a text message of encouragement before every game, a tradition that began during his high school years. In an interview, she stated, 'I text him before every game. I've been doing it since high school.' The texts are typically short and positive, focusing on effort and mindset rather than performance.
Jalen Brunson, who has emerged as a key player for the Knicks, has acknowledged the support from his family, including his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player and current assistant coach for the Knicks. The family's close-knit dynamic has been a recurring theme in Brunson's career, with both parents frequently attending games.
The tradition underscores the role of family support in Brunson's journey from high school standout at Stevenson High School in Illinois to NCAA champion at Villanova University, and now to NBA stardom. As of June 2026, Brunson continues to lead the Knicks, with his mother's texts serving as a consistent source of motivation.
