Mariska Hargitay, the star of the long-running drama Law & Order: SVU, took on a new challenge on Monday night: hosting the Emmy Awards. Hargitay leaned on her close friend, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, to usher in the show.
"Hey, Jalen, it's just me, alright?" Hargitay says to a bewildered Brunson as he steams his Knicks jersey. "I don't have anyone to tap it in for me." She is, of course, referring to the dramatic come-from-behind victory by the Knicks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals where OG Anunoby tipped in a missed three by Brunson to win the game.
As music started playing, Hargitay panicked. "Oh my gosh, the opening number has started. I have to get to the airport. I don't have time to sit around and steam outfits with you."
Jalen Brunson
makes a cameo in Mariska Hargitay’s opening number at the #Emmys. (via NBC/EMMYS) pic.twitter.com/kt9RkRd8QA
— Variety (@Variety) September 15, 2026
It was the perfect way to kick off the awards show and pay tribute to one of her favorite moments of the year. This has been a big few months for Hargitay with the Knicks win, her broadway debut and hosting the Emmys for the first time.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mariska Hargitay opens Emmy Awards with Jalen Brunson
