New York Knicks championship contributors Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart traveled to the Bronx to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Yankees.

Canyon of Heroes is set to celebrate the Knicks, anticipating millions of fans pouring into Lower Manhattan today. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart experienced this tribute early, throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium before the Yankees defeated the Chicago White Sox 10-5, reminding everyone of the ultimate goal the Yankees are chasing.

"I know tomorrow's championship parade will be an unreal experience," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Those guys, I'm sure they've had a pretty great week."

As NBA Finals MVP, Brunson averaged 32.6 points and 4.6 assists per game in the five-game series victory over the Spurs. He had previously worn pinstripes, having thrown a first pitch at Yankee Stadium in 2024 and meeting Aaron Judge.

Hart, Brunson's former teammate at Villanova and a top-tier defender, averaged 7.6 points and 9.8 rebounds during the Finals. He also has deep family ties to the Yankees: his great-uncle Elston Howard was the team's first African American player, now honored in Monument Park. The Yankees have scheduled a Hart bobblehead night for September 25 against the Baltimore Orioles, a promotion planned before the Knicks' playoff run began and now even more sought-after.

Judge witnessed the Knicks' historic Game 4 comeback against the Spurs at Madison Square Garden, and in an Esquire interview published Thursday, he said he'll never forget it. "There's a winning feeling all over New York City right now, and we've got to carry that momentum," Judge said. "I love our roster, I love the opportunity in front of us. The season's going to be a lot of fun. Knicks win in June, Yankees win the World Series in October—that would bring peace to the world."

On Wednesday, all Yankees players changed into Knicks gear after their home game, marking the team's first home game since the NBA Finals ended and the Knicks' first title since 1973. Catcher J.C. Escarra wore Miles McBride's No. 2 jersey, looking ready to take the court; reliever Fernando Cruz sported Brunson's No. 11 jersey with confidence. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was fully dressed in the Knicks' signature orange and blue, having also attended the Knicks' victory party at an exclusive Lower East Side club last Sunday.

Boone said he believes the city's reaction to the Knicks' championship has been "incredible." "Their journey has been fascinating—this group has been playing together for years," Boone said. "Add to that the fact it had been 53 years since their last title, and it's a great story... I think this team will be talked about for a long time in NBA history."