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11h ago

Knicks Stay Grounded as Villanova Connection with Pope Leo XIV Fuels Playful Fan Narratives

With a 2-0 lead over the Celtics, the Knicks focus on the court despite lighthearted ties to the first U.S. Pope and fellow Villanova alum.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost and a Villanova graduate, was recently elected as the first-ever U.S. Pope.
  • Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, also Villanova alumni, have become part of a playful narrative linking the team's playoff success to the Pope's election.
  • Coach Tom Thibodeau joked about the connection, saying the players could now be 'forgiven for their sins,' but dismissed notions of divine intervention influencing their performance.
  • Jalen Brunson described the Pope’s Villanova ties as 'really cool' but emphasized that his focus remains on the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Celtics.
  • The Knicks, seeking their first NBA Finals berth since 2000, lead the heavily favored Boston Celtics 2-0 ahead of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.