Martha Stewart Confronts NBA Star Who Broke Her Toe at Game

The 84-year-old entrepreneur details her painful court-side collision with Knicks player Jalen Brunson.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, high-contrast sequins and velvet textures, capturing the glamour and drama of a celebrity's unexpected courtside mishap at a major sporting event.A close-up of the luxurious textures and dramatic lighting that defined Martha Stewart's courtside experience at the NBA playoffs, where an unexpected collision with a player left her with a memorable 'Brunson fracture'.NYC Today

Lifestyle mogul and author Martha Stewart spoke with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson about him accidentally landing on and breaking her toe during an NBA game nearly a year ago. Stewart attended the league's Eastern Conference Finals game where the Knicks played against the Indiana Pacers on May 21, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Prior to the game going into overtime, Brunson, who is 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, accidentally stepped on Stewart's foot, causing a fracture that she later dubbed the 'Stewart-Brunson fracture'.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks and challenges that come with attending live sporting events, especially for high-profile figures like Martha Stewart who may not always be prepared for physical contact with players on the court. It also showcases the importance of proper footwear and awareness when sitting courtside at NBA games.

The details

While sitting courtside, the 84-year-old Stewart attended the league's Eastern Conference Finals game where the Knicks played against the Indiana Pacers on May 21, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The game went into overtime, resulting in the Pacers beating the Knicks 138-135. Prior to the overtime period, Brunson, who is 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, accidentally landed on Stewart's lap and stepped on her toe, causing a fracture that she later dubbed the 'Stewart-Brunson fracture'.

  • On May 21, 2025, Stewart attended the NBA Eastern Conference Finals game between the Knicks and Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
  • The game went into overtime, which made Stewart's injury 'even more painful'.

The players

Martha Stewart

An 84-year-old lifestyle mogul and author who sustained a toe injury at an NBA playoff game.

Jalen Brunson

A 29-year-old New Brunswick native and guard for the New York Knicks who accidentally stepped on Stewart's foot, causing a fracture.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Never ever wear opened toed shoes to a game like that when your sitting on the floor. I have the Brunson fracture. He stepped on my big toes and that's why I'm wearing opened toed shoes because it's the only kind of shoes I can wear now.”

— Martha Stewart

“You didn't know, it's not your fault, it's my fault for wearing open toed shoes.”

— Martha Stewart

What’s next

Brunson spent Stewart's grandson a basketball as an apology for the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and challenges that come with attending live sporting events, especially for high-profile figures like Martha Stewart who may not always be prepared for physical contact with players on the court. It also showcases the importance of proper footwear and awareness when sitting courtside at NBA games.