Sports
Jalen Brunson Surprises League with Knicks’ Eastern Conference Run

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Knicks are making headlines this year as they advance towards the Eastern Conference Finals, a feat that seemed unlikely just five years ago. Central to this success is guard Jalen Brunson, whose rise to stardom has left many, including basketball experts, astonished.
Brunson, who initially joined the NBA as a solid reserve player for the Dallas Mavericks, has transformed into a key player for the Knicks since his arrival. He averaged 11.9 points and 3.7 assists per game during his four seasons in Dallas but has significantly upped his game, bringing in an impressive 26.4 points and 6.7 assists per game in three seasons with New York.
The Mavericks’ former coach and current Milwaukee Bucks coach, Doc Rivers, recently discussed Brunson’s development on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Rivers recalled his first encounters with Brunson and remarked on how surprised he was by his progress. “But when we played them, I think it was at home last year, and I was like, holy gosh, this guy is good,” Rivers said.
Despite his success, Rivers expresses concern about Brunson’s long-term health because of his aggressive play style, which he likened to “running back basketball.” “Everything’s physical stuff, but man, he’s way better than I thought he was,” Rivers added, highlighting his respect for Brunson’s skills.
Brunson’s impressive statistics and accolades, including being named an All-Star and making the All-NBA team twice, solidify his status as a leading player in the NBA. As the Knicks continue their playoff push, all eyes will be on Brunson to see how he handles the pressure and physicality of postseason basketball.