New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson personally greeted a 3-year-old fan whose imitation of his three-finger 3-point celebration became an online hit, meeting the youngster and her family at Madison Square Garden before New York’s 115-109 victory over the Miami Heat on Dec. 21.
The child, Rya Rulloda, first drew attention on Oct. 22 when her mother, lifelong Knicks supporter Myleen Rulloda, uploaded an Instagram compilation showing Rya brandishing a Brunson plush doll, shouting the player’s surname and mimicking his signature hand gesture. The post has amassed more than 1.7 million views and 180,000 likes. Two days after it went live, Brunson reacted with a heart-hand emoji, prompting the Knicks to invite the family to the December game.
With 4:49 remaining in the fourth quarter that night, Brunson buried a corner three to reach 42 points, flashed the familiar pose—ring and pinkie fingers tucked, three fingers lifted to his nose—and saw Rya mirror the move from the stands. He finished with a season-high 47.
From living-room fan to Garden guest
The Rulloda household—Myleen, her husband, nine-year-old daughter Mya, and Rya—rarely misses a Knicks broadcast. After Brunson signed with New York in 2022, Myleen taught her daughters the celebration last May. Mya learned it quickly, but toddler Rya needed until December to perfect both the gesture and Brunson’s name, which soon became her summer catchphrase at family outings.
When the family arrived at the Garden on Dec. 21, they first crossed paths with Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, the player’s father, who allowed them to move closer during warm-ups. Courtside, forward Mikal Bridges recognized Rya from the viral clips, and the group later met forward OG Anunoby and franchise icon Clyde Frazier.
A moment with Brunson
Minutes before tip-off, Brunson entered a private room, hugged Rya, shook Mya’s hand and signed jerseys—including a personalized top for the family. Rya proudly displayed her painted nails, handed over her Brunson doll for an autograph and posed for photos, folding her ring and pinkie fingers alongside the All-Star guard.
Shortly afterward, Brunson delivered his 47-point performance, punctuating a night the Rullodas say they will never forget.
Source: ESPN.com
