Jalen Brunson Reveals How Justin Bieber Pumps Him Up Before Knicks Games (Exclusive)

Jalen Brunson might just be a Belieber.

The New York Knicks point guard, 27, says that while he’s got quite a diverse taste in music, there is one artist in particular who he always relies on. 

“My music library in my phone, it's pretty broad. But right before I run onto the court, right after a team meeting, I have to listen to at least one [Justin] Bieber song,” Brunson tells PEOPLE. 

The 2024 NBA All-Star is admittedly a fan of the two-time Grammy winner, 30, who is currently expecting his first child with wife Hailey Bieber. 

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Hailey announced her pregnancy in May, posting a video from the couples' vow renewal on Instagram in which she wears a long white dress and a veil, highlighting her growing bump. A rep for Hailey confirmed to PEOPLE that the model was just over six months pregnant at the time of the announcement. 

Brunson, meanwhile, will celebrate his first year of marriage to his wife, Ali Brunson, this summer. The two met in high school, and started dating in October 2013. The basketball star then proposed in September 2022 and the two got married in Chicago on July 29, 2023.

“She's been by my side every single day and it's been a blessing to have her as a wife and as a best friend for 10 years. And, she's over there looking at me fist bumping and smiling, but it's been amazing,” he says. 

In addition to Ali, who is often seen supporting her husband at Knicks games, Brunson explains to PEOPLE what he loves about playing for a city like New York.

“The best thing about New York is that, besides being the best city in the world, it's just amazing with the fan interactions. People just say hi and they appreciate everything that I'm doing for the team and how the team's doing,” he says.

“You could talk about how New York has everything. New York has the best food, shopping, and all that stuff. It has everything you could think of. You could find anything at any given time of the day. But besides all that, I just love how the people have embraced us," the athlete adds.

Playing in N.Y.C. also means that there are quite a few famous Knicks fans who come out to Madison Square Garden to support the team, often sitting courtside. And Brunson doesn't hesitate when asked which celebrities have been his "favorite" to meet.

“Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni,” he says of the two longtime Law & Order franchise stars. 

“Mariska is unbelievable. I remember when I was younger, my dad always used to have [SVU] on and I ended up watching it and it became my favorite show. And so, just to see her courtside and be able to meet her, that was awesome,” Brunson continues. 

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