NEW YORK – National Best Friends Day used to look different for the New York Knicks. Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals took place on the unofficial holiday, with both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in their June 8 starting lineup.
From a certain point of view, though, another pair of Knicks best friends took the court shortly after. They were just from a different era in Knicks history.
Seven years ago, on National Best Friends Day in 2019, the Knicks posted an episode of Mitchell Robinson’s digital show “Block Party” with fellow New York center Luke Kornet. After each revealed that the other was their favorite teammate, the duo played croquet and wiffle ball outdoors.
Between Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, ClutchPoints asked the San Antonio Spurs’ reserve big about his experience playing with – and against – Robinson over the years.
“Mitch is a great player. Honestly, from his rookie year when he first showed up on the court, he was making a pretty strong impact. And he’s very unique in what he’s capable of doing. It’s cool just being able to see him mature, kind of take on more of a responsibility, leadership-type role, from where he was at. He was a rookie when I played with him, so we’ve actually been able to play each other a lot over the years,” Kornet explained.
The Vanderbilt product was unafraid to send a major on-court compliment Robinson’s way, highlighting him as one of the NBA’s best in at least one key area.
“He’s basically developed into the best offensive rebounder in basketball, or top-whatever number that is. There’s always been a great defensive presence, and his versatility. He’s a great player, and it’s a cool full-circle moment to match up with him,” Kornet told ClutchPoints.
The two will continue to match up for as long as The Finals continue. Both players serve in key reserve roles for the Knicks and Spurs, backing up two of the NBA’s best centers.
If Karl-Anthony Towns and Victor Wembanyama both find themselves in foul trouble, the 2018-19 Knicks’ frontcourt might just have a full-blown reunion in the paint at Madison Square Garden.
NEW YORK – National Best Friends Day used to look different for the New York Knicks. Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals took place on the unofficial holiday, with both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in their June 8 starting lineup. From a certain point of view, though, another pair of Knicks best friends took the court shortly after.
