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Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay's Unexpected Broadway Moment Sparks Buzz

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Jalen Brunson supported his new pal Mariska Hargitay on Broadway.

On Friday night, the New York Knicks made a surprise appearance to watch the “Law & Order: SVU” actress’s performance in “Every Brilliant Thing.”

Per photos obtained by Page Six, Brunson and Hargitay posed together backstage with their respective spouses, Ali Marks and Peter Hermann.

Jalen Brunson supported his new pal Mariska Hargitay on Broadway Friday night (as seen above). Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Jalen Brunson, Mariska Hargitay, Ali Marks, and Peter Hermann pose together backstage at "Every Brilliant Thing" on Broadway.

The New York Knicks star and the “Law & Order: SVU” actress posed together backstage with their respective spouses, Ali Marks and Peter Hermann (as seen above). Bruce Glikas/WireImage

A source told People that the NBA champ, 29, smiled as he sat center orchestra inside New York City’s Hudson Theatre, watching Hargitay, 62, narrate the play, which explores themes of mental health, family, and resilience.

Towards the end of the show, the “ER” alum looked through a box and pulled out Brunson’s Knicks jersey.

The audience then gave the athlete a standing ovation — weeks after he and his teammates defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals 2026.

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay holding hands after her Broadway show.

Hargitay (seen above with her husband on Friday) performed in “Every Brilliant Thing.” GC Images

Peter Hermann, Jalen Brunson, and Mariska Hargitay leaving a restaurant in New York City.

The foursome enjoyed dinner after the show. (Pictured: Brunson, Hermann and Hargitay leaving dinner.) GC Images

Brunson reportedly snuck out of the audience before the play ended but went backstage to give Harigtay her flowers.

“It was so sweet. He was congratulating her and telling her how much he loved the show,” a source told People.

“She was so thrilled he was there. You could see how much admiration they have for one another,” the insider added.

Mariska Hargitay greeting fans outside Hudson Theatre, waving with a marker in hand.

A source told People that the athlete “was congratulating her and telling her how much he loved the show.” (Pictured: Hargitay.) Ronald Segers Jr / SplashNews.com

Rick Brunson, Mariska Hargitay, and Jalen Brunson celebrate during a New York Knicks ticker-tape parade.

The actress and Brunson (both seen above at the Knicks parade) struck up a friendship over their love for the Knicks. Bruce Cotler/ZUMA / SplashNews.com

The duo and their spouses then enjoyed dinner together. Page Six obtained photos of Brunson and the “Baywatch” actress leaving a restaurant.

Brunson was previously candid about his admiration for Hargitay, admitting that he looks for her at every Knicks home game.

After the Knicks won the championship, the actress took to Instagram to celebrate by posting a throwback photo of Brunson as a kid.

Este Haim, Taylor Swift, and Mariska Hargitay reacting during the 2026 NBA Finals.

Hargitay (seen above with Taylor Swift and the Haim sisters) was a fixture at Knicks home games. Getty Images

Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay pose together at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade.

Brunson (seen above with Hargitay) said he wanted to act on “Law & Order: SVU” during the offseason. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

“You found a way” was written atop the photo of the point guard in orange-and-blue letters.

“And you lead the way for so many,” the actress captioned the photo. “Congratulations to you all and deepest thanks. #NBAFINALS CAPTAIN @jalenbrunson1 @nyknicks CHAMPIONS #BELIEVE.”

Brunson revealed that he would love to star alongside Hargitay in an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” now that the basketball season has ended.

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