Knicks Wives Shannon Hart & Ali Brunson Detail Their Game Day Rituals

Knowing Knicks fans were going all-in on their lucky rituals before the potentially championship-deciding Game 5 on June 13th, Shannon Hart wasn’t about to criticize anyone’s traditions.

A registered nurse who is married to basketball player Josh Hart recently told TopMob News that she’s secretly incorporated some of his strategies into her own life.

The 31-year-old admitted she used to be much more superstitious when she played soccer at UMBC.

But that’s not to say she doesn’t shoot her shot, so to speak, these days.

“I never take off this necklace,” the mother told her three-year-old twin sons, Hendrix and Haze. “And I always say a prayer right before kickoff when they play the national anthem.”

And she’s been known to snag a pre-game snack of Reese’s Oreo cups when running out the door.

Shannon said she’s always enjoyed peanut butter and Oreos on their own, so combining them is a dream come true. She teamed up with Ali Brunson, another wife of a New York Knicks player, to share her love for the combination.

As for her husband’s dreams, she’s game to do whatever it takes.

She explained to TopMob that during the exciting Game 4 win at Madison Square Garden on June 10th, she realized she needed to go back for her purse. She described the game’s comeback as unbelievable – possibly the most incredible she’d ever witnessed – and felt compelled to retrieve her belongings after such a dramatic victory.

Meanwhile, Ali’s big play is to slip on her most beloved bling.

She pointed out that superstitions are amusing because everyone seems to have them and strongly believes in their power. It’s as if people think their personal actions can affect the outcome for the whole team.

She explained that wearing her wedding jewelry during every game has been helping her stay calm and focused. It’s become a comforting routine for her.

She also gets great support from her husband, Jalen Brunson, the point guard and captain of the New York Knicks.

The physical therapist, who has a 22-month-old daughter named Jordyn, shared that her husband is incredibly calm and even-tempered. She explained that his composure has had a positive influence on her, especially over the past few years.

As a long-time fan, I always appreciate how level-headed he is. He explained his approach so simply – just focusing on each play, each game, and concentrating on the things he can influence. He truly believes if you do that, everything else will ultimately fall into place as it should.

Shannon also does her best to box out the noise.

Having played soccer in college, I’m used to high-pressure games. So when I see others stressed, I understand what they’re going through. I’ve learned to stay calm and deal with whatever happens – not getting overly excited or discouraged.

Shannon explained that if there’s a disagreement, it’s best to give the other person some space overnight to process their feelings. They’ll likely be ready to discuss it calmly in the morning.

It’s not uncommon for Jalen, meanwhile, to leave it all out on the court—the good and the bad.

According to Ali, the creator of The AMB Method, Jalen is excellent at separating his work life from his personal life. As soon as he comes home, he fully switches into ‘dad mode,’ and they all tend to forget about anything that happened at work.

Once his usual bedtime routine is over, he might watch the game again later, but it won’t bother him. He’s really good at just continuing with his normal day regardless.”

Of course, it helps that he has his MVP running point at home.

Ali shared that having family nearby is a huge help. They also have incredibly supportive neighbors and friends who are always willing to pitch in. It’s a community where everyone looks out for each other – Ali feels comfortable asking anyone for assistance, and would gladly do the same for them.

Just like she supports Jalen on and off the court, many NBA players rely on their partners for support. Here’s a look at the wives and girlfriends who play a vital role in these athletes’ lives.

Jordyn Woods got exactly what she wished for this Christmas: a proposal from Karl-Anthony Towns! The model playfully wrote “Marry Christmas” alongside photos posted to Instagram showing the basketball player getting down on one knee at Overstory, a stylish bar high up in a New York City skyscraper.

Although her impressive engagement ring has gotten a lot of attention since 2024, what really makes their relationship work is simply enjoying each other’s company. Back in 2021, after a year of dating, she shared on her Instagram series, Regular-ish, that she loved dating her best friend. They already knew each other so well – their strengths, weaknesses, and how to support each other through good times and bad – because they’d been through so much together.

Coco Jones wasn’t trying to keep her relationship with basketball player Donovan Mitchell a secret, she simply wasn’t ready to share those details publicly. During a March 2025 interview on Club Shay Shay, Jones explained she prefers openness and doesn’t want to feel like she or her partner needs to be hidden. She values not feeling possessive in a relationship.

The actress from Bel-Air explained that she values her privacy, saying, “I’m focused on protecting myself, my family, and the people I care about.”

Let’s be real, she’s absolutely head over heels for him – the seven-time NBA All-Star! He proposed by the ocean in July 2025 and shared the whole thing with stunning drone footage. Honestly, she’s completely immersed in wedding planning, and she told TopMob News at the Grammys last year that it’s unlike anything she’s ever experienced. She’s a pro at events, fittings, and amazing outfits, but this… this is just different. It’s a whole new level of feeling!

When Jayson Tatum suffered a serious Achilles injury during the 2025 playoffs, he considered retiring from basketball. As the Boston Celtics star forward told TopMob News, he briefly thought, “I’ve done enough.” However, it was the support of his family that motivated him to keep playing, reminding him of everyone he would disappoint if he quit. He ultimately decided to continue his career, especially considering the people counting on him.

He was thinking about his sons, Deuce (from a previous relationship) and Dylan, and his girlfriend, singer Ella Mai. The six-time All-Star explained that he wanted to use the situation to teach his kids about making difficult decisions. He wanted them to understand that everyone faces choices in life, and he wanted to show them what he went through and how he made his.

She and her partner, known for the song “Boo’d Up,” have intentionally kept the details of their five-year relationship private. In a December 2025 interview with Capital XTRA, she explained that because she never publicly confirmed the relationship, people seem unsure how to address it. However, she emphasized that she’s not hiding the fact that they have a child together.

She’s quite gifted, and I’m careful not to force her music on our child. I don’t want them to feel like I was constantly pushing it on them as they grow up. However, I do make an effort to play music often when we’re together, especially with the arrival of our baby in 2024, as she told TopMob.

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers first met his future wife, Anne de Palma, at a dinner with a friend in 2018. It wasn’t love at first sight for him, though – she later told ESPN that their relationship “started off as a beautiful friendship.”

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen so many beautiful connections blossom, and this one is particularly sweet! I learned they both came to the U.S. from different corners of the world – he left Cameroon as a teenager to pursue basketball, and she started modeling in Brazil at just 14. It turns out they had an instant connection – they both speak French and are huge soccer fans! They started FaceTiming daily, and she quickly realized he was something special. He’s just incredibly motivating and has this wonderful personality that really lifts people up.

I was so thrilled when I found out JoJo and Joel tied the knot in the Hamptons! It felt like a beautiful culmination after they welcomed their son, Arthur, back in September 2020. They named him after Joel’s brother who tragically passed away years ago – such a meaningful tribute. Honestly, watching Joel as a player and seeing how he carries himself, I totally understand why JoJo loves him so much! She told ESPN that he inspires everyone around him to be their best selves, and that’s exactly the kind of person you want in your life.

A’ja Wilson, a superstar in the WNBA and a four-time MVP (as of 2025), is a key source of support for her boyfriend, Bam Adebayo. When Adebayo, a star center for the Miami Heat, broke Kobe Bryant’s scoring record with an incredible 83 points against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026, he acknowledged Wilson’s important role in his success.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always thrilled to witness incredible support systems! A fellow All-Star recently shared how special it is to have someone experience their ‘first’ – in this case, attending their first game. It’s not just about the big moments on the court; it’s all the work they put in behind those moments—the training, the deep talks—that really fuels you. Seeing that dedication up close is incredibly inspiring, and honestly, it makes me so grateful to have people like that in my life too!

She also expressed gratitude for the incredible support she received throughout her career. When the University of South Carolina honored her with a jersey retirement in 2025, Wilson said, “I owe everything to the love, encouragement, and sacrifices of so many people. It meant the world to have my closest family and friends – especially one very special Olympian who traveled to be here – watching from the sidelines.”

As someone who’s navigated the public eye for a while now, I’ve really been thinking about what I share online – especially when it comes to my personal life. That’s why, from now on, you likely won’t see me posting about any relationships until I’m actually married! I might be out on dates, but honestly, if you want a glimpse of that, you’ll have to try and catch it yourself. My rule is no partners will be appearing on my social media.

Rumors are swirling that basketball star Angel Reese, nicknamed “Bayou Barbie,” is dating Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. She hinted at the relationship on TikTok with a post about receiving a large bouquet of roses, saying it was a clear sign she had found someone special. Adding fuel to the fire, Carter Jr. was spotted at the 2025 WNBA All-Star game wearing a t-shirt with Reese’s face on it.

The college athlete, who will be featured in the second season of The Hunting Wives, showed her support by going to a Magic basketball game in December 2025. She wore a jersey with “My Man” on it to cheer him on.

Model Winnie Harlow is still carefully planning her upcoming wedding to Milwaukee Bucks player Kyle Kuzma. She told TopMob News in September 2025 that they are working on finalizing details so the planning process can move forward smoothly. This comes seven months after Kuzma proposed during a Valentine’s Day getaway to Turks and Caicos.

As a lifestyle expert, I always say your environment should reflect who you are! For me, that means embracing an island vibe – I absolutely need warm weather and lots of opportunities to dance. That’s just my personality, and I design my life around it!

Kyle Kuzma is sure to contribute some important plays on the court, especially after his recent engagement. He revealed to Vogue that he didn’t ask his fiancée about her ring preferences beforehand. Instead, he designed an 8.5-carat ring based on his impression of her – aiming for something elegant, classic, and simple.

Okay, so, I was at the Grizzlies game on Thanksgiving 2024 – seriously, being there to support my city is everything – and honestly, when Brandon Ingram made that play, I almost lost it! I was SO hyped. Then I heard GloRilla – GloRilla! – talking to Complex later, and she basically said that play was the best part of the game, but she wasn’t going to elaborate. Like, she didn’t need to! We ALL knew what she meant. It was a moment, okay? A moment! I’ve been replaying it in my head ever since. She’s a queen, and Brandon… well, Brandon knows what’s up.

She excitedly responded with “Let’s go!” when asked about the two-time All-Star, who now plays for the Toronto Raptors. She also explained to Complex that after over a year together, they prefer to keep their relationship private. “I don’t want to talk about it too much, and we generally avoid being seen together in public,” she said.

Occasionally, she’ll really show off her skills. In a January 2026 Instagram post, she playfully wrote, “Might let him dunk like he dunks the balllll.”

Long before LeBron James was winning championships with teammates like Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis, Savannah Brinson was his biggest supporter. They first met on a date at an Outback Steakhouse in Akron, Ohio, and at the time, Savannah – a cheerleader and softball player – had no idea the basketball player from her high school rival would become an NBA superstar. She told Harper’s Bazaar she initially thought he’d simply be a local hero, and that would be the end of it.

About ten years later, she married the top pick from the 2003 draft in a glamorous ceremony. The event was so famous that Beyoncé and Jay-Z even performed their song “Crazy in Love.”

Now living in Los Angeles with their three children in a $23 million home – where James plays for the Lakers – he shared a heartfelt message in November 2019, explaining his success. He wrote, “I can perform at my best, both on and off the court, simply because my best friend always supports me, no matter what!” He playfully added, “I’m just the car, she’s the one who powers everything!”

Kawhi Leonard, known for his incredible defense and twice named the league’s top defensive player, is also very private about his personal life. He’s been in a relationship with Kishele Shipley, who he met at San Diego State University, for over ten years, but they haven’t publicly confirmed whether they are married. Many fans were surprised to find out in April 2019 that Leonard missed a game because Shipley had given birth to their second child, a son named Mark. Neither Leonard nor Shipley has an active public Instagram account.

According to former coach Gregg Popovich, Kawhi Leonard isn’t interested in fame. His daughter, Kaliyah Leonard, also doesn’t seem phased by it – when the Toronto Raptors won the championship in 2019, the four-year-old actually fell asleep during the victory parade!

It’s surprising, but NBA star Steph Curry was initially rejected when he tried to kiss his now-wife, Ayesha! Back when Steph was playing college basketball at Davidson, he went for a kiss with Ayesha—a friend from their youth group—and she playfully turned away.

Oh my gosh, you guys, she actually said they got a second chance at their first kiss! She told Jason Kennedy from TopMob News all about it – seriously, I was glued to the screen. And get this: years after that magical moment in his parents’ driveway back home in Charlotte, he proposed there! He even admitted to Parents magazine it felt straight out of The Notebook. Can you even imagine?! It’s like a real-life romance novel, and I am HERE for it!

After getting married in 2011, Ayesha and her husband learned they were expecting their first child, a daughter who would later become known as Riley and charm the media. Ayesha worried this would make it difficult to establish a stable career.

Over the past decade, Ree Drummond’s family grew with three more children – daughter Ryan in 2015, followed by sons Canon in 2018 and Caius in 2024. She also built a successful lifestyle brand and now works as a cookbook author, appears on Food Network, models, and dedicates time to philanthropy.

Please avoid referring to her as a “basketball wife.” She cleverly noted in an interview with ABC News that just like a chef wouldn’t be called a “chef’s wife,” she shouldn’t be defined solely by her husband’s profession.

I just adore Bradley Beal! He’s so thoughtful and clearly knows how to make grand gestures. Back in 2016, he took me up the Ferris wheel in Vegas and officially asked me to be his girlfriend – it was magical! Then, four years later and with two amazing little boys, Bradley Jr. and Braylon, he recreated that moment on a Ferris wheel in Maryland. This time, as I watched the lights go by, he got down on one knee and proposed! It was perfect, just like him. He’s a three-time All-Star on the court, but an all-star boyfriend and husband in my eyes.

Oh my gosh, she said YES! Of course she did! Kamiah wrote the sweetest thing – she said she couldn’t imagine spending her life with anyone else. It just melts my heart! And it’s so perfect because they welcomed little Braxton in 2022 before the wedding! She also said he helped her become the woman she is today, and that he always pushes her to be better. Seriously, they are the cutest, most inspiring couple ever!

Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, a star basketball player at St. Joe’s College for two years in the mid-2000s, is more than just a supportive fan. She told Canadian lifestyle website The Kit in 2019 that she likes to be right near the game action and doesn’t focus solely on watching her husband, Kyle Lowry. As a mom to sons Karter and Kameron Lowry, she enjoys observing all aspects of the sport.

She pays attention to all of the Philadelphia 76ers’ plays, not just those involving one player. “I don’t single out Kyle; I try to observe the entire game and team to understand what’s happening,” she explained. “I enjoy watching basketball and analyzing it.”

I’m such a big fan, and honestly, what I love most is how much she supports her boyfriend – this incredible six-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist! She told me they’re so close that he actually seeks her advice during games. Can you believe it? She says she tries to signal him from the sidelines when she spots something he could improve, hoping he catches on. It’s just adorable and speaks volumes about their relationship, which started way back in high school at Cardinal Dougherty.

Draymond Green, the Warriors’ energetic four-time All-Star, is known for being direct and bold. So it wasn’t surprising that his January 2019 proposal to Hazel Renee was an elaborate event. He whisked her away in a helicopter to a yacht surrounded by loved ones – including their children, Olive Jay and Draymond Jamal Green Jr. – presented her with a stunning six-carat diamond ring from Jason of Beverly Hills, and even had Golden State coach Steve Kerr share the happy news with the media.

Originally, he and his wife, the Empire actress, had planned to renew their wedding vows during a trip back to the Olympics. However, due to COVID-19, they had to postpone those plans and instead celebrated a different special event: the birth of their daughter, Cash, in October 2020.

He shared in a 2020 birthday message that the past has been incredible. He praised the recipient for always being the family’s strength, through both happy and difficult times.

After getting married in 2022—with photos of their wedding featured in Vogue—they welcomed their daughter, Hunni, in 2023, and another child in February 2026.

Known for racking up the points, Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook took on the role of cheerleader, hyping up bride Nina Westbrook as she nailed shot after shot in a March 2020 Instagram video. And it’s not as if he was blowing hot air. Now a licensed marriage and couples therapist, Nina was once UCLA’s fastest players when she spied a flashy young point guard winking at her as he nailed a breakaway dunk. “You were pretty good out there tonight,” she reportedly told him after the game. “It’s easy to play like that when you have someone to play for,” he shot back.

After ten years, they continue to run their Why Not? foundation while also raising their son Noah and twin daughters Skye and Jordyn. They still make time for simple pleasures like a quiet dinner and movie night at home. She recently shared on Father’s Day that he would do anything to make their children happy, calling him a fun-loving dad and the definition of love.

It’s become a running joke that Utah Jazz player Kevin Love and model Kate Bock, who’s been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue since 2013, get roughly the same amount of attention in the magazine. Luckily, Love isn’t jealous! He publicly congratulated Bock on her 2020 cover, writing that it perfectly captured her beauty and expressing how proud he was of her.

Over a year after proposing to his future wife during her birthday in January 2021, the five-time All-Star power forward married her at the New York Public Library.

Kate told Vogue they wanted their wedding to feel like an old-fashioned New York City party inspired by The Great Gatsby, with a black and white theme. Planning the overall vibe was simple, she explained, but getting all the small details right – like choosing linens, figuring out seating, and deciding where to get ready – proved much more challenging.

The couple soon expanded their family, welcoming their daughter James in June 2023, followed by her younger sister, Leighton, on Valentine’s Day in 2025.

It’s clear Chris Paul is a big deal when you look at who attended his wedding! LeBron James and his wife were in the wedding party, and tons of other stars showed up to celebrate with him and Jada Crawley back in 2011. Guests included Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Gabrielle Union, LaLa Anthony, Ludacris, and Kevin Hart, and Robin Thicke even performed as the wedding musician.

Although a performance by gospel icon BeBe Winans and an impressive display of around 10,000 flowers were lovely touches, Russell Westbrook values having a strong teammate above all else.

From the moment they met at Wake Forest University, he’s been in love with Jada. The retired point guard told Essence magazine that she’s supported him through everything, good times and bad. He also emphasized that a basketball career doesn’t last forever, and he and Jada genuinely enjoy being together. She is a philanthropist and mother to Christopher II and Camryn.

When it comes to accolades in the Horford family, Al Horford’s wife truly stands out. Amelia Vega is a model and singer who was crowned both Miss Dominican Republic in 2002 and Miss Universe in 2003.

After meeting twice – once at the Latin Pride Awards in Boston and again four years later while collaborating on a campaign for children with cancer – the five-time All-Star, who was born in the Dominican Republic, quickly felt certain he’d met his life partner.

I quickly realized she was the one for me – it just felt natural,” the Warriors player explained in a 2013 interview with Latina. “I used to joke about love and not believe in it, but with her, I felt different. I knew I wanted to spend my life with her and marry her.

After over ten years of marriage, the University of Florida alumnus—who shares five children, Ean, Alía, Ava, Nova, and Mila, with his wife, a Miami boutique owner—says, “Married life is fantastic! We’re creating a wonderful life together.”

In 2008, while playing as a freshman for UCLA’s basketball team, Jrue Holiday was mistaken for his teammate Darren Collison by a fan at a women’s basketball game. Lauren Holiday, a soccer player at UCLA who witnessed the mix-up, playfully told the fan, “Don’t worry, you’re cuter than Darren.”

Their first meeting was incredibly sweet, but what happened next was even more remarkable. After retiring from the national women’s team, the World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist discovered she had a brain tumor while five months pregnant. Without hesitation, her husband, Jrue, took a leave of absence from his NBA career in 2016 to support her through the successful removal of the meningioma.

Lauren shared a heartfelt Father’s Day message, praising her husband for being a loving father to their children, Jrue and Hendricks. She wrote that he consistently demonstrates unconditional love, always being there for them, no matter what.

Not long after finishing his time playing basketball at Butler University, Gordon Hayward, now retired, proposed to Robyn Hayward on Christmas Eve in 2013. They married in May of the following year. Both athletes—Robyn excelled in volleyball during high school—have been building their family together since then.

In September 2020, Gordon welcomed his son, Theo, joining his daughters Bernie, Charlie, and Nora, while he was competing with the Boston Celtics in the NBA bubble.

Even though they’re managing with zone defense while caring for their four young children, the couple hasn’t dismissed the idea of having more. In a December post, she described each child’s personality: Bernie is kind and gentle, Charlie is independent and marches to her own beat, Nora confidently leads her brother Theo without hesitation, and Theo remains calm and easygoing (for now). She playfully tagged her husband, Gordon Hayward, asking if he’d be up for expanding their family.

2026-06-13 15:22

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