Jalen Brunson gives final verdict on first Knicks preseason under Mike Brown, ’we gotta…

Jalen Brunson dubs Mike Brown’s first NY Knicks preseason a success

Jalen Brunson spoke after the New York Knicks’ preseason closer against the Charlotte Hornets, where the Knicks won 113-108.

Brunson, who scored 31 points in the win, was asked about how he would describe the first preseason under Mike Brown. He called it a successful period, but did stress that they had a long way to go.

“Successful. We’re learning, we’re getting better. We’ve got a long way to go but he’s implemented his ways, and we have to follow.

Brunson has been described as the focal point of the team on numerous occasions by Mike Brown. It’s clear that the head coach is trying to use Brunson to get the best out of the team.

One NBA insider even said that Brown shouldn’t change the Knicks’ offense and take the ball out of Brunson’s hands. And based on what we’ve seen in preseason, he has no plans of doing that.

New York Knicks are favorites in the Eastern Conference

Given the quality of their roster, how far they went in the playoffs, and the status of their rivals, it’s fair to say the Knicks are the favorites to win the East.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time since 2000. And the two teams they faced in that playoff run, the Celtics and Pacers, are not going to be in title contention.

Given that their only competition is the Cleveland Cavaliers, a side that has failed to make it out of the second round of the playoffs since they’ve put this side together, they have a lot to prove.

As things stand, the East is wide open and for the taking. All the Knicks have to do is play to the level we expect them to, and they can reach the NBA Finals.