Over 40 years since New York was blessed with a Championship, Jalen Brunson and his merry men bring hope back to the Concrete Jungle.
Jalen Brunson: Masked Hero
An unfamiliar face to many, Brunson Burner has put up vintage Jordan numbers all season long. Whilst surprisingly staying under the mainstream media radar, Jalen fronted a 50-win season. Dropping an average of 28.7 points, and 6.7 assists on a 48% field goal percentage.
Yet to be a household name around the league, this was Brunson’s first season of individual domination which may explain the lack of his name in MVP conversations. To the naked eye, this may seem like a snub. However, blatant ignorance towards his talents could play to New York’s advantage with teams underestimating their opponent.
As fans, we can undoubtedly agree a beautiful characteristic of professional sports is a superstar emerging from the dust. Jalen Bruson’s 2023/24 season performance was exactly that. Clinching the East second seed after Milwaukee’s midseason implosion, the Brunson Burner came at a perfect time. Lighting up the league, The Knicks now find themselves positioned nicely to make a conference finals run for the first time in a decade.
NY State of Mind
While individual talent and the ability to take over a game gathers wins, hero ball cannot win championships. Behind all the high-profile names in championship-winning teams, are gritty determined role players. The type who can get the job done quietly. Diving into the crowd for that loose ball, taking an elbow to the face grabbing rebounds, playing like your life is on the line each play. That’s what makes this New York team so exciting. Each body that checks into play is physically on the line.
During Brunson’s routine 30 with 7 dimes, Knick’s cavalry runs riot. The supporting cast of Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo spend 48 minutes crashing boards, setting hard screens, and running the floor as if their life depended on it.
To your average basketball fan these names may not spark fear into hearts… yet. Above all, in this upcoming playoff run, New York has the opportunity to broadcast their fundamental perfection and ability to run the floor for a full 48 minutes with no let-up.
All of a sudden, The Big Apple looks as appetising as ever.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
