As the New York Knicks prepare for their return to the NBA Finals after a 27-year hiatus, two women have been recognised for their influential roles behind the scenes. Maternal wellness brand Frida has named Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart, wives of Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart respectively, the “Most Valuable Parents” for this season.
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In a full-page advertisement published in the New York Post, Frida has dubbed the two mothers the “Queens of New York,” acknowledging their commitment to maintaining stability for their families amid the high-energy atmosphere surrounding the NBA Finals. Chatting exclusively with PEOPLE before the much-anticipated Game 1 on June 3, the two women discussed how they strive to keep their families grounded.
Ali Brunson, 30, is married to point guard Jalen Brunson, and together they share a daughter named Jordyn, who was born in 2021. Similarly, Shannon Hart, 31, shares her life with guard Josh Hart and is the mother of twin boys, Haze and Hendrix, both two years old. The two mothers have been partners to their husbands since high school, and they play a pivotal role in supporting their families while their partners shine on the court.
The recognition by Frida highlights both Ali and Shannon’s crucial but often overlooked contributions to their partners’ careers. While Jalen and Josh have gained widespread acclaim for their performance on the court during this intense season, Ali and Shannon work diligently behind the scenes, facilitating their husbands’ success through daily routines and personal sacrifices.
In their interview, the pair shared insights into their approaches to managing family life amid the frenzy of the NBA Finals. Ali emphasised that for her and Jalen, life remains consistently focused on family. “We still go about our life the same way — focusing on our daughter, family, and friends,” she explained. “At the end of the day, this is his career, and he is truly focused on winning.”
Shannon echoed this sentiment, expressing her gratitude for having a partner like Josh. “When he’s away for games, I kind of just try to live a normal life and blur out all the extra noise that’s going on,” she said. “Every day we continue to support each other and make sure each other feels important in our lives.”
Despite the challenges of raising young children while their spouses compete at the highest level, both mothers have adopted practical strategies to maintain balance in their hectic lives. For Ali and Jordyn, enriching activities include Mommy and Me classes, while Shannon prioritises family time, enjoying outings to the playground and inviting loved ones over.
Moreover, the importance of self-care has not been overlooked by either woman. Both take time to engage in physical activity, recognising its role in reducing stress and promoting well-being. Ali finds time for movement even in small increments, while also teaching fitness classes based on her method that fuses physical therapy with modern strength training. Shannon commits to the gym three to four times a week, highlighting the importance of physical health as a busy mum.
The Knicks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Finals on June 3, with the series expected to keep the Brunsons and Harts busy for at least the next week, including the possibility of Games 2 to 4 leading up to June 10.
In the midst of this busy schedule, Ali and Shannon remain focused on their core values, emphasising the importance of family and being present. “We focus on staying present with each other,” said Ali about her relationship with Jalen. Shannon added that she and Josh enjoy spending time together as a family, desiring to provide a united front for their children.
As the spotlight shines brightly on the court, Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart remind us that invaluable support often comes from those working silently behind the scenes. Their dedication to nurturing and supporting their families makes them exemplary figures during this momentous season for the New York Knicks.