Full Breakdown
Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Says Video Games Are the One Thing He Can’t Live Without
8/12/2026, 8:24:16 AM
Interview Highlights
New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson, the 29-year-old NBA Finals MVP, sat down with his mother Sandra Brunson for a conversation that aired on Lindsay Czarniak’s podcast. When asked what he could not live without, Brunson initially considered naming video games but said he “can’t do that now,” ultimately revealing that the activity remains his top priority. Sandra Brunson, meanwhile, emphasized family as her essential need. The interview also touched on Brunson’s habit of earning gaming time through academic tasks and the role of his college friends—Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges—who now share the Knicks roster.
Family Versus Gaming
Sandra Brunson answered the same question with “The one thing that I can’t live without is family,” underscoring a generational contrast between the two. The mother-son dynamic reflects a broader theme of balancing professional demands with personal leisure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The one thing that I can’t live without is family,” — Sandra Brunson
- “So my answer was going to be video games, but I can’t do that now,” — Jalen Brunson
- “Any amount of hours he put into the video games he had to give back in the form of education whether it was reading a book so that limited (it),” — Sandra
Off-Court Implications
Brunson’s candid remarks illustrate how NBA players integrate everyday hobbies into demanding schedules. The former Villanova star credited his close friendships—particularly with Hart and Bridges—for contributing to the Knicks’ first championship in 53 seasons in June. Looking ahead, Brunson, as team captain, aims to help the Knicks pursue another title next summer while continuing to indulge in his favorite video-game franchise, FC 26, and awaiting future releases. The interview offers a glimpse into the personal routines that coexist with elite athletic performance.
