What happened: The ceremony came before New York's opener against Philadelphia on opening night. The crowd greeted the captain with loud cheers and MVP chants.

Why it matters: Brunson closed the 2025-26 season as Finals MVP. He was grouped with Jordan and James after the Finals MVP run, a measure of the title run. The ring night opens the title defense with the core intact.

What to watch: New York tips against Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET to begin the 2026-27 season.