Jalen Brunson is the most clutch player of our generation.
Not a hot take. A pattern.
He's led the NBA in playoff clutch points three postseasons in a row. He and Kobe Bryant are the only two players in NBA history to lead the league in total playoff clutch points for three consecutive seasons.
The Spurs led by double digits in all five games. The Knicks won four of them. Every single win was a comeback.
• Game 1, he scored 13 in the fourth.
• Game 4, down 29, he put up 36.
• Game 5, on the road, 45 points. Thirteen straight for New York in the fourth. Broke Willis Reed's franchise Finals record that stood since 1970.
Since quarter data has been tracked, no player has averaged more fourth quarter points in the Finals. Brunson's at 11.2. Nobody else has ever cracked 10.
And one more number nobody's ready for.
Since 1997, only one player has scored at a higher rate in playoff crunch time than Brunson. Michael Jordan. Take out free throws and Brunson passes him.
Guys spend whole careers chasing one moment like this. It's just another day at the office for Brunson.
The clutch gene isn't a myth. It just plays point guard for the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson on LinkedIn:
“Winning an NBA Championship with the New York Knicks is everything I ever dreamed of. The fans, the city, this organization...This is why I came to New York.
I'm so proud of this team. No matter the situation, we never stopped believing in each other or lost sight of our goal.
With enough work and enough belief, your dreams are possible and you can overcome any obstacle. Whatever it is in life, believe that you belong.
People might disagree but let that strengthen your belief because with hard work, preparation, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
I can't wait to celebrate with my family, my teammates, the city of New York, and everyone who's been here from day one.
We don't win this championship without you!
I also look forward to continuing to support other people's dreams through my work with the Second Round Foundation, where our mission is helping young people determine their own success no matter where they come from.
It is important to me to support the under-resourced, under-represented, and under-estimated, and to ensure that they have the tools, guidance, and belief they need to achieve their dreams.
Thank you, New York. I am forever grateful.
And always remember...The Magic is in the Work.
- JB”
"0-0. Stay desperate at all times." - Mikal Bridges on heading back to The Garden up 2-0 against the Spurs in the NBA Finals.
@NYKnicks | #AlwaysKnicks