As the New York Knicks gear up for Saturday’s NBA playoff opener at Madison Square Garden against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jalen Brunson openly revisited a pivotal moment from last season’s playoffs—a costly turnover in Game 6 against the Miami Heat.
“A lot more than you would think,” Brunson responded when asked how often he’s thought about the moment that happened with less than 20 seconds remaining and the Knicks trailing by two.
In a high-pressure situation, instead of attempting a game-tying or go-ahead shot, Brunson found himself trapped in a double-team along the baseline. His attempt to pass to a cutting Julius Randle was intercepted by Miami, sealing the Knicks’ fate and prematurely ending their season without advancing to a potential Game 7. Reflecting on that moment, Brunson expressed his remorse.
“We are in a position where we could have forced the Game 7, and I made a terrible decision and I had to live with that throughout the whole summer,” Brunson said. “When I’m working out, I’m focusing on whatever I’m doing at that time, but that moment creeps back in your mind. You see it all over social media … it’s impossible not to see things like that.”
Brunson’s first season with the Knicks was remarkable, having signed as a free agent in 2022. He quickly established himself as one of the standout point guards for the team, reminiscent of Knicks’ legend Walt Frazier.
Following up on that, this season Brunson has averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, propelling the Knicks to the second seed in the Eastern Conference and earning his first All-Star nod, with potential All-NBA first team and MVP considerations.
The experience from last year’s playoff has been a driving force for Brunson, aimed at steering this postseason towards a more favorable outcome. Teammate Josh Hart, a longtime friend from their college days at Villanova, mentioned they occasionally joked about the incident. Hart recalled telling Brunson during lighter moments that he was open during that decisive play.
Their banter also included comparisons to how Hart’s college career ended, which similarly involved a crucial lost possession. This shared history has added layers to their resolve this season. “All we thought about this summer was, ‘What could we have done against Miami to move on?’ That’s what fuels us now against Philly,” said Hart.
The matchup against the 76ers is set to be a highlight of the first round in the Eastern Conference, with Philadelphia entering the playoffs on a high after a dramatic win in the play-in game and a strong season record with Joel Embiid available.
For Brunson, it’s about seizing the moment. “I love to compete,” he said. “It’s about using everything you work for throughout the year and putting it all into the playoffs.”
While the Knicks are mostly healthy except for Julius Randle, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, the 76ers face their own challenges with De’Anthony Melton out for Game 1 due to a back issue and Robert Covington out for the season. Nonetheless, Embiid is expected to play, adding to the intensity of the upcoming game.
Brunson looks forward to the opportunity, emphasizing the culmination of a year’s hard work and the aspiration to make this postseason count. “You work for moments like these,” he stated, focusing on the immediate challenge of Game 1 against the 76ers.
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