Rick Brunson breaks silence on fiery DeAaron Fox courtside moment

Rick Brunson was in dad mode when he had his heated courtside reaction to Jalen Brunson’s staredown with De’Aaron Fox during Game 2 of NBA Finals.The Knicks assistant coach pointed toward Fox after the physical sequence involving the two guards.Rick was then seen screaming, “Don’t do that.

You not tough, bro.You not tough.”Officials quickly intervened as emotions flared and the situation was contained before it could escalate further.“I’m always gonna be a father first,” Rick said on “Good Morning America” Monday during a joint interview with Jalen.

“But at the end of the day, if there was any other player, I’d do the same.”For Rick, the flashpoint was just another reminder of the emotional volatility that comes with watching his son operate under the brightest lights in basketball — something he says still feels is surreal.“It’s crazy to me.I never envisioned, you know, to this level,” he said of Jalen’s rise.Rick was a hard-nosed guard who had a 10-year career, including a couple of stops with the Knicks in the late ’90s early 2000s.

“I remember like it was yesterday, being here in ’99 trying to win a championship,” said Rick, whose Knicks squad reached the NBA Finals.“But now it’s more exciting for me as a father to see your son on the stage and performing.”The Knicks’ run has also put a spotlight on the unique dynamic between father and son — one that blends coaching demands with family loyalty.Jalen has been open about that balance, acknowledging that what looks like tension from the outside is simply competitiveness behind the scenes.

Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.Show the boys some love as they face off against the Spurs to take the championship.

After 27 years, we’re back in the finals.Immortalize this moment.

No matter what happens from here, we made it, and nobody can take that away.Bonkers feels ...