CLEVELAND (AP) — Four years ago, the New York Knicks took a chance on Jalen Brunson, bringing him aboard as a free agent and constructing their roster with him as the centerpiece.
Brunson validated their faith by guiding the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
The All-Star floor general posted averages of 25.5 points and 7.8 assists as New York completed a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference championship round, capturing the Larry Bird Trophy for series MVP honors. During Monday’s decisive 130-93 victory in Game 4, he contributed 15 points and five assists.
“It’s an honor to be here in this city and this organization,” Brunson said, flanked by former Villanova University teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“We’re still writing our story, but I like the journey that we’re on right now.”
Doubts circulated throughout the NBA when New York offered a four-year, $104 million deal to the former Dallas Mavericks guard in 2022. Brunson quieted numerous doubters by posting 24.0 points per game in his debut season, followed by three consecutive All-Star nods.
Following New York’s Eastern Conference finals appearance in 2025, where they fell to the surprising Indiana Pacers, Brunson dominated the Cavaliers series from beginning to end. His 38-point performance in the opener sparked the Knicks’ remarkable rally from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit.
“He just puts in the work. He’s a testament of that,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said. “He believes in that, and he showcases that every single day to all of us and it drives us to be better.”
Brunson’s dedication immediately caught the attention of New York coach Mike Brown following his hiring last summer, eventually forcing the coach to modify his own sleep schedule as the 29-year-old’s intensity during morning practice sessions became legendary. Brown drew comparisons between Brunson’s drive and basketball icons Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan.
“Their quiet strength, all the time, is what they all have in common,” Brown said. “Jalen’s work ethic is off the chart and he makes me adjust because he goes so hard every day. When your leader is that way, it’s easy to be a coach.”
New York later added Bridges and Hart through trades, then completed their roster by obtaining Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves as the finishing touch. This quartet now stands four victories from delivering the organization’s first championship since 1973.
“There is no player, no other guard I’d want to be in this position with than J.B.,” Bridges said.
