Elmo and Jalen Brunson are getting along well.
Earlier this month, the beloved “Sesame Street” character faced criticism from Knicks fans for sharing a video on his social media account, expressing, “Elmo hopes both teams have fun!” accompanied by four basketball emojis, regarding the NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Elmo’s neutral message garnered 27 million views on X, where fans criticized the red furry character for not taking sides and demonstrating a lack of media literacy.
One user replied, describing Elmo as “A rotten individual fueled by resentment, ego, and emotional dysfunction,” adding, “They imitate confidence, manipulate for attention, and drag others into their chaos because misery is the only thing they know how to spread. F—kk you elmo.”
Elmo attempted to clarify his comments, writing, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!” He further mentioned to E! News on the red carpet, “Elmo has learned that he should not pick favorites for online consumption.”
Despite his efforts, the criticism persisted. After the Knicks achieved what seemed impossible by defeating the Spurs in Game 5 on June 13, New Yorkers filled the streets—yet the win didn’t restore the “Sesame Street” star’s standing. In a particularly extreme reaction, a video online shows a Knicks fan displaying a faux Elmo head on a pike with a sign that reads, “TRAITOR.”
The following day, Cookie Monster tried to assist in mending Elmo’s reputation, writing on X, “Elmo teach me not to eat trophy. Me teach Elmo to pick a team.”
Jalen Brunson, however, showed kindness towards Elmo. During the Knicks’ championship ticker-tape parade, Variety captured the team captain holding and kissing an Elmo plush toy with a sign saying, “Forgive me PLEASE,” standing next to the NBA championship trophy on his float.
In a CBS Mornings interview, Gayle King inquired why Brunson remained silent after Spurs player Victor Wembanyama pushed him during what she termed a “blatant foul.” The Knicks captain shared insights into his calm mentality, saying, “It was definitely a spur-of-the-moment thing, but no matter what, you have to understand the moment, what you’re doing, and what your main goal and focus are,” he explained. “I’ve always had the ability to stay even-keeled — never too high, never too low. That’s what prepared me for that situation.”
If Brunson can move past incidents with Wembanyama and Elmo, perhaps New York can as well.
