Late Night Highlights: Knicks Celebrate Championship

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The latest edition of Late Night Roundup recaps the memorable moments from the previous night’s comedy shows, allowing those who missed out to catch up.

The Comeback Kings

Jalen Brunson appeared on “The Tonight Show” in 2024, promising host Jimmy Fallon he’d return with an N.B.A. championship trophy. On Monday, Brunson fulfilled that promise. He appeared with his New York Knicks teammates as they celebrated their 2026 N.B.A. Championship win. Superfans flocked to the stage in excitement.

As the atmosphere grew electric, Fallon quipped, “It sounds like Game 5 in San Antonio here.” With a nod to their reputation, he continued, “Of course, it’s the Knicks, so they won’t really show up until the second half.” Adding to the celebratory ambiance, he revealed, “And if that’s not enough, we’ve got music from Wu-Tang Clan tonight. Backstage smells extra celebratory, you know what I’m saying?”

Spike Lee, a fervent Knicks supporter, joined the excitement as he guided the players on stage in a storm of confetti. Lee asserted, “Let’s go, we’ve been waiting 53 years!” Fallon, embracing the moment, introduced them enthusiastically, “This is ‘The Tonight Show’ where the champions go. Put your hands together for the kings of the comeback, a team of history, a team of destiny, our dream team, the 2026 N.B.A. World Champions, your New York Knicks!”

The Punchiest Punchlines

The Knicks’ victory inspired numerous jokes from late-night hosts. Seth Meyers remarked, “The New York Knicks on Saturday defeated the San Antonio Spurs to win their first N.B.A. championship in 53 years. People celebrated in the streets, singing and dancing till the wee hours. But the real, old-school Knick fans are still worried there might be a Game 6.”

Jimmy Fallon added humor with, “The last time New York City cheered like that was when Trump announced he wouldn’t attend Game 4.” Jimmy Kimmel jested about the postgame antics with, “One shooting, four stabbings, 63 arrests, relatively low key. You know it’s funny, people worried Mayor Mamdani was going to destroy New York — no one would have guessed it would be fans of the Knicks.”

Jon Stewart commented on the uniquely New York celebration, saying, “Um, on a Saturday night? I think that might be a record low.” He continued with another observation, “Our mayor is Muslim, our bagels are Jewish, our Timothée’s Chalamet, Knicks in five,” referencing a viral chant from the finals.