Mariska Hargitay says Jalen Brunson told her "I'll be there" about her Broadway show

For years Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay has hugged New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson on the court after nearly every home game. She revealed what he said to her following the Knicks' May 21 Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 win during a June 3 interview with Access Hollywood.

Hargitay recalled Brunson grabbing her shoulders and saying, "I'll be there." He was referring to her one-person Broadway show, Every Brilliant Thing, which runs with her in the lead role through July 5 at New York City's Hudson Theatre. Hargitay admitted she was surprised: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'" Post-game footage shows Brunson telling Hargitay he planned to attend once the NBA Playoffs were finished.

Hargitay told Access Hollywood she loves him, is inspired by him, and has carried his spirit with her during the show. She has also said Brunson is on her "bucket list" of people she'd like to guest-star on Law & Order: SVU; during a May 2026 appearance on TODAY she named Jamie Lee Curtis and Jalen Brunson.

United States, New York City

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