With the New York Knicks on the brink of a potential championship, the team's wives have their own winning plays off the court. Shannon Hart, married to guard Josh Hart, and Ali Brunson, wife of captain Jalen Brunson, shared their game-day rituals and the importance of staying grounded during the playoff intensity.
Shannon, a registered nurse and former college soccer player, admits she used to be more superstitious but still has a few constants. "I always wear my cross necklace," she said in an exclusive interview. "I always pray before the game when the national anthem is going." She also has a pre-game snack tradition: Reese's Oreo cups. "Growing up, I've always loved peanut butter and Oreos separately... putting them together is like my dream."
After the Knicks' wild comeback win in Game 4, Shannon joked that her purse became a lucky charm. "I brought this purse... and obviously it was an insane comeback... So, I'm like, I have to run back the purse."
Ali, a physical therapist and founder of The AMB Method, focuses on her jewelry. "I've just been wearing the same jewelry, so my wedding jewelry every game, that's been keeping me sane." She credits her husband's calm demeanor for helping her stay even-keeled. "My husband is so levelheaded... nothing phases him. So, I feel like I've fed off of that over the last few years."
Both wives emphasize the importance of managing emotions. Shannon, having played college soccer, knows to stay calm and not get too high or low. "I just handle things as they come," she said. "If he's upset about something, just leave it for the night... and then in the morning, he'll probably talk about it."
Ali notes that Jalen excels at leaving work at work. "He'll come through the door, and it's dad mode. We kind of forget what happened. He may re-watch the game later that night, but it doesn't impact."
Family and community support are crucial for both couples. "We're blessed to have family who live really close," Ali shared. "Our neighbors, our friends, everyone takes care of each other."
From lucky purses to wedding jewelry, these Knicks wives know that their rituals—and their unwavering support—are key to weathering the playoff storm.