Jalen Brunson has firmly established himself as the centerpiece of the New York Knicks’ resurgence, leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.
Beyond his impressive stats, it’s his tenacity and unshakable mentality in pressure moments that have captured attention – even drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan.
Former Knicks guard Greg Anthony recently weighed in on Brunson’s postseason dominance during an appearance on The Jim Jackson Show, and he didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Jalen Brunson is a truly special player, and a lot of it stems from his mindset and his approach,” said Anthony.
Anthony’s admiration focused not just on Brunson’s talent, but his mental toughness – something he said reminded him of Jordan’s ironclad confidence.
“[Michael Jordan] had a mind of steel,” Anthony said. “He might be 9 of 30, but he always felt like the next one was going in.”
That mindset has been a driving force behind the Knicks’ deep playoff run. Brunson has become synonymous with clutch, delivering under pressure in game after game – no matter the circumstances.
Brunson’s fourth-quarter dominance
Brunson’s impact is most apparent when the game is on the line.
According to NBA postseason stats, he currently ranks second in fourth-quarter scoring with 9.5 points per final period, converting at an elite 51.3% shooting from the field and 47.8% from three-point range.
His 114 total fourth-quarter points are the most of any player this postseason, significantly ahead of Anthony Edwards, who sits at 76.
These numbers are a reflection of Brunson’s ability to embrace the moment rather than shrink from it – a hallmark of Jordan’s legacy. Much like the Bulls once trusted Jordan with the ball in crunch time, the Knicks have leaned entirely on Brunson to close out games.
New York doesn’t run the triangle offense like Jordan’s Bulls, but the strategy is simple: put the ball in Brunson’s hands and let him take over.
“He taught me a lot every single day and gave me a lot of lessons and I’ll never be more thankful for that guy,” Brunson once said of his mentor. “Alex was the reason I was ready when it was my turn.”
That same readiness is now turning heads across the league – and making history in Madison Square Garden.
Eyes on the Finals as Brunson leads the charge
The Knicks’ last trip to the NBA Finals came in 1999. Now, with Brunson at the helm, they’re just one series away.
Up next is a battle against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals – a chance to cement Brunson’s growing legacy in New York.
Teammates and coaches have echoed the sentiment: Brunson isn’t just a scoring leader – he’s the emotional core of the team. His relentless approach has galvanized the Knicks and given them an identity rooted in grit and late-game execution.
If this run continues, and if Brunson keeps delivering in decisive moments, the comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan may go from flattering to fitting.
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