Game recognizes game, so it comes as no surprise that New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star/maaaajor television ICON Mariska Hargitay are fans of each other’s work. But as it turns out, Jalen and Mariska are ~legitimate~ besties, with their bond dating back well before the Knicks started their generational streak that culminated in their historic win during the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13—the team’s first all around victory in 53 calendar years!
While you’re still basking in the afterglow of the Knicks’ electric game 5 win, read on to find out how Mariska and Jalen—AKA Captian Benson and Captain Brunson, respectively—became famous friends. And for a real tear-jerker, stick to the end to find out how Mariska reacted to the Knicks finally bringing home a trophy for New York.
In no surprise whatsoever, Jalen says growing up with SVU as a core part of his childhood. “You just hear the iconic [theme song] ‘dun-dun’ all the time in the house,” he shared in an episode of The Roommates Show podcast, which he cohosts with teammate Josh Hart. “My dad also watches the TV incredibly loud, so you hear it throughout the house.”
“[I] always found myself watching the show and honestly, the older I got, the more I watched. The more I see now I’m like, ‘I’ve seen that episode,’ I’ve seen so many different episodes,” he added, further explaining that SVU is “a pregame show for me. I’ve always loved that show.”
As for meeting his favorite TV star, Jalen said he’s “never been like super super like starstruck — super starstruck. I saw [Mariska], I was like ‘Oh shit.’ The first time we met, it was awesome. We talked and everything.”
Jalen, his wife Ali, and Mariska all pose together on the red carpet for the premiere of My Mom Jane: A Film By Mariska Hargitay. Look at those smiles!
Mariska hops on Late Night With Seth Meyers and reveals why she and Jalen are so close.
“Ben Stiller—who’s a fan and also has very nice seats like you—said all the celebrities are jealous because Jalen Brunson only hugs you after games,” Seth told her. “And this was a choice Jalen Brunson made. You didn’t storm the court and hug him! So how did your first postgame embrace with Jalen come to pass?”
According to Mariska, it started with Jalen’s love of SVU: “I was so flattered and thrilled, because I was such a huge fan,” she explained. “I think Jalen sort of grew up on SVU...I think he felt this, as many people do, intimacy and safety that one does growing up on SVU.”
Mariska reveals that Jalen’s work ethic inspired her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing. “My friend, my inspiration,” she said on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. “I love him. I was so terrified to do my show—I just thought about him, and his inspiration, and his humility, and his work ethic, that I [reminded myself]: You can do hard things. He is so singular, and magnificent. He’s a magnificent human.”
Ali gushes over Jalen and Mariska’s friendship in an interview with Us Magazine, telling the outlet that it’s been a joy to see them get so close.
“He watches SVU religiously, for years and years,” she told the outlet. “To see her be a fan and then they’re able to meet, she’s a wonderful human. We’ve shared so many experiences together. It’s been really fun.”
After the Knicks win game 4 of the finals, Mariska gives Jalen a big hug and tells him, “I love you so much, I’m so happy.”
Mariska hilariously tells The Hollywood Reporter that seeing the Knicks win game 4 of the NBA finals might have been the best day of her life, LOL.
“I love my husband, and our wedding night was great and all, but I think it might have been the greatest night of my life,” she said. “The game was so brutal, down 29 at the half, but I’m telling you, to watch this team fight and claw their way back — to see that look in Jalen’s eyes — there are just endless life lessons in there.”
After the Knicks’ finals win, Mariska hops on Instagram with a touching message for Jalen. “And you lead the way for so many. Congratulations to you all and deepest thanks. #NBAFINALS CAPTAIN @jalenbrunson1 @nyknicks CHAMPIONS #BELIEVE,” she wrote. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
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