Jalen Brunson is exactly who the Knicks thought he was.
Less than 10 months after New York signed Brunson to a four-year contract worth over $100 million, the 26-year-old led the franchise past the Cavs in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs — its first playoff series win in 10 years.
It's far from a one-man job, but Brunson has been the catalyst for restoring the magic at Madison Square Garden. And unlike New York's short-lived run in 2021, this one feels real. The Knicks have Brunson to thank for that.
During the first month of the regular season, I explored how Brunson signed on to be the Knicks' point guard of the present and future. Brunson's play throughout the season — and in the playoffs — has expedited those future plans.
Brunson has seamlessly stepped into being the franchise player in the NBA's biggest market. Seemingly never shaken or fazed, Brunson's mettle has rubbed off on his teammates, which is exactly why this team was able to advance to the second round.
With series averages of 24.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, Brunson delivered one of the best Knicks playoff debuts ever — his 120 points in the series are the second-most in a Knicks playoff debut behind only Dick Barnett.
MORE: Jalen Brunson is doing his best Luka Doncic impression — and it's working
Whether it's his role as an isolation scorer, player, or leader, Brunson has embraced every part of being the man for the Knicks. He's becoming one with the fanbase and having fun while doing it.
YESSIR 🫡 @jalenbrunson1 pic.twitter.com/oDjRa7qDlN
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 23, 2023
Because of Brunson, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle have had the ability to play more freely, big man Mitchell Robinson has been a force and young players like Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, and Obi Toppin have stepped up to come into their own.
And his reunion with Villanova teammate Josh Hart has been nothing but positive for this Knicks team.
"He's a star player."
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2023
- Josh Hart on Jalen Brunson.
Knicks are headed to the Eastern Conference Semifinals 👀 pic.twitter.com/K3uy3X8BK1
Actually, think back to Brunson's time at Villanova — a three-year span in which he earned numerous National Player of the Year honors as a junior and was bookended by two National Championships — and you're reminded that all he's done is win.
He won in Dallas.
He's winning in New York.
10 months ago, Brunson was tasked with bringing his winning ways to a culture where there hasn't been much winning over the last few decades. Just one year in, Brunson has already looked like the franchise's best point guard since Walt Frazier suited up in the blue and orange.
With Brunson, the future is now. And this year is a reminder that the future in New York is very bright.
