Jalen Brunson is helping lift the Knicks to heights not seen since the days of Watergate and the Vietnam War. The resurgence of one of the most recognizable sports franchises has aligned perfectly with the explosive evolution of his NBA career.
Brunson played college ball at Villanova University, winning two National Championships and averaging 14 PPG in his three years with the team. The Dallas Mavericks figured he’d help make them a champ, too, so they drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2018 NBA Draft with the 33rd overall pick.
Jalen Brunson (photo KSL News)
Brunson’s time there was good, but not great. He averaged 12 PPG over four years, and fans expected him to be around for a lot longer … until he wasn’t.
The Mavericks offered less than he believed he was worth, so negotiations stalled. The New York Knicks swooped in with a more attractive offer, and (just like that), Bruson’s switched jerseys.
Brunson was more productive in the Big Apple, doubling his scoring average in his very first year, but that performance wasn’t enough to elevate the team to where he, management, and fans wanted it to be — challenging for an NBA championship.
Not until 2024-2025, that is.
Brunson needed sidekicks, and he got them. Villanova alumnus and former Brooklyn Net Mikal Bridges came on board. Then, former T-Wolf Karl-Anthony Towns arrived in town less than three months later. The Knicks won 51 games that season with Brunson averaging 26 PPG and earning Clutch Player of the Year honors.
That was good but not great. The Pacers ended the Knicks’ season in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Big Apple’s Big 3: Towns (32), Bridges (25), & Brunson (photo, Posting & Toasting)
But, as life often is, progress is a step-by-step proposition. The Knicks’ core remained as the team changed head coaches (Tom Thibodeau out, Mike Brown in), and the team powered ahead. Brunson averaged 26 PPG yet again, and New York won 53 games.
After dropping two straight games to the Hawks in the opening round of the playoffs (Here we go again?!), the Knicks reeled off 13 straight playoff wins and played their way into the 2025-26 Championship Round, sweeping the Eastern Conference Semifinals (76ers) and Eastern Conference Finals (Cavaliers).
Now, they have a 2-1 lead over the Goliath San Antonio Spurs entering Game 4 tonight, with tip-off at 8:30 pm Eastern on ABC.
Now only one question remains: Can Jalen Brunson bring the Larry O’Brien back to Broadway?
