James Dolan's thoughtful moment with young fan goes viral after Knicks' big win
Knicks owner James Dolan gave one fan an irreplaceable gift after the team's 121-113 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series Monday.
Dolan was all smiles as he rolled down his window in the back of a black SUV outside of Madison Square Garden, where fans were gathered for a massive watch party.
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He pointed to the boy, sporting a Knicks hat, and signaled for a security employee to hand him the ball.
The ball was signed by Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, according to Mark Jones, who identified himself on X as the boy's grandfather.
'Thanks for the tickets too!' Jones was heard saying in the video, seemingly referring to Dolan providing them with the tickets.
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4 Knicks owner James Dolan gave one fan the winning game ball after the team's 121-113 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series on May 12, 2025.
X/NBA_New York
4 James Dolan gave one fan the winning game ball after the team's 121-113 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series on Monday, May 12, 2025.
X/NBA_New York
In a separate X post, Jones included a photo of him and his grandson wearing Brunson t-shirts while taking in Game 4 from the lower bowl.
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4 Knicks owner James Dolan gave one fan the winning game ball after the team's 121-113 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series on May 12, 2025.
X/NBA_New York
4 Knicks owner James Dolan gave one fan the winning game ball after the team's 121-113 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series on May 12, 2025.
X/NBA_New York
When someone said the boy's parents are '100 percent forcing him to sell [the ball] for money,' Jones replied, 'Nah. We letting he keep that. Signed by Brunson. Hold that for a while.'
Brunson, the NBA Clutch Player of the Year, had 39 points and 12 assists in the Knicks' winning effort.
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The crowd applauded and cheered as the vehicle carrying Dolan, who was wearing a navy blue suit jacket and a brown fedora hat, pulled away.
The Knicks could close out the series on the Celtics' home court in Game 5 on Wednesday, with Boston attempting to rally to win the series without star Jayson Tatum.
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