Jalen Brunson Reveals Personal Tragedy Following Knicks Victory Celebration at Chez Margaux with Timothée Chalamet, Russell Wilson
New York, NY – August 5, 2025
While the New York Knicks were all smiles following a statement win last night, a somber undercurrent emerged after point guard Jalen Brunson revealed he had quietly endured a personal tragedy in the hours surrounding the team’s big victory. The post-game narrative took an unexpected turn after a night that began in celebration at one of Manhattan’s trendiest spots, Chez Margaux, where several Knicks players, along with A-list celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and NFL star Russell Wilson, were spotted enjoying the team’s recent success.
Celebration at Chez Margaux
After a crucial win over the rival Boston Celtics, several Knicks stars headed out to Chez Margaux in the SoHo district—a known haven for athletes and artists alike. Among those seen entering and later leaving the exclusive lounge were Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Joining them at various points in the evening were film star Timothée Chalamet, dressed in an understated Knicks varsity jacket, and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who had flown in for a business meeting and was invited to the afterparty.
By all accounts, the evening was a celebration of camaraderie, big performances, and rising championship hopes. Sources at the scene described the atmosphere as “electric but laid-back,” with live jazz playing in the background, players mingling with guests, and several raising toasts to what has been a promising campaign for the Knicks thus far.
However, notably absent from the festivities was the heart and soul of the Knicks roster: Jalen Brunson.
Brunson’s Emotional Revelation
Brunson had delivered a stellar 31-point, 11-assist performance earlier that night, once again proving why he’s among the elite point guards in the NBA. But fans and teammates alike were left puzzled when he quietly exited Madison Square Garden after the game, skipping both the media availability and the team’s celebratory outing.
The reason became heartbreakingly clear earlier this morning when Brunson released a statement on Instagram, later confirmed by Knicks PR, revealing that he had suffered a deeply personal loss. According to his post, Brunson’s maternal grandfather, James Stevenson, passed away unexpectedly just hours before tip-off.
“Last night was one of the toughest nights of my life,” Brunson wrote. “While we got a big win and my brothers celebrated like they deserved to, I was grieving the loss of someone who meant everything to me. My grandfather was my first basketball coach, my biggest fan, and one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. I played with a heavy heart last night—and I know he was watching.”
Brunson went on to thank his teammates for giving him space and privacy, and noted that he plans to travel home to Illinois for the memorial later this week. He is expected to miss one game but will return before the team’s upcoming West Coast road trip.
Team Support and Reactions
Upon hearing the news, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and several players issued statements of support. Karl-Anthony Towns, who shared a heartfelt post on social media, said, “JB is our leader. He’s the reason we’re in the position we are. I wish I’d known sooner, because I would’ve been by his side. Love you, brother.”
OG Anunoby echoed those sentiments: “It’s a reminder that we never know what someone’s going through. Jalen showed up, led us, and never once used it as an excuse. That’s true strength.”
NBA stars around the league also reached out, including Luka Dončić, who played alongside Brunson in Dallas. “One of the realest. Sending love and prayers,” Dončić posted on his Instagram story.
A Tale of Two Evenings
The juxtaposition of last night’s events serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities athletes often face behind the scenes. For fans scrolling through photos of OG and KAT laughing it up with Chalamet and Wilson at Chez Margaux, it may have seemed like a night of unfiltered joy. But for Brunson, it was a night defined by reflection, loss, and strength under pressure.
Sources close to the Knicks say Brunson insisted on playing despite learning of his grandfather’s passing that morning. “He told us, ‘That’s what Grandpa would want,’” one team source revealed. “He didn’t say it for sympathy. He just wanted to play the game the right way.”
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks continue their pursuit of an Eastern Conference title, the focus will return to the hardwood soon enough. But for now, the organization—and its fan base—stand firmly behind Jalen Brunson.
He has already proven himself as a warrior on the court, but it’s moments like these that reveal a deeper kind of character. In the face of unimaginable grief, he showed up, led, and won—not just for the team, but for the memory of the man who helped start his basketball journey.
While the photos from Chez Margaux will make headlines, it’s Brunson’s quiet resilience that will resonate longest with those who understand what leadership truly means.
Rest in peace, James Stevenson.
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