Jan 11, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) talks with the media during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson Makes Bold Statement Before Knicks-Pacers Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 25, 2025 3:49 PM ET

On Sunday night, the New York Knicks will play the Pacers (in Indiana) for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Knicks trail the Pacers 0-2 after losing Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden.

Via The NBA: "Tyrese Haliburton (31 PTS, 11 AST in Game 1) and Pascal Siakam (playoff career-high 39 PTS in Game 2) helped the Pacers take two on the road for a 2-0 series lead.

Now back in Indiana, they look to go up 3-0 while Jalen Brunson and the Knicks look to get on the board.

Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 tips tonight at 8:00pm/et on TNT!"

Tyrese Haliburton (31 PTS, 11 AST in Game 1) and Pascal Siakam (playoff career-high 39 PTS in Game 2) helped the Pacers take two on the road for a 2-0 series lead.

Now back in Indiana, they look to go up 3-0 while Jalen Brunson and the Knicks look to get on the board.

Eastern… pic.twitter.com/x53pLNAKtn
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2025

Before Game 3, All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson made a bold statement when he met with the media (via SNY's Knicks Videos).

Brunson: "We're a confident group.. We just know that our back's against the wall. We've just got to go out there and go out swinging."

"We just know that our back's against the wall. We've just got to go out there and go out swinging"

Jalen Brunson was asked about the confidence that the Knicks' road success gives them as they head into Game 3 in Indianapolis tonight: pic.twitter.com/wzK2VvWtPK
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 25, 2025

Despite the two losses, Brunson has played well.

He finished Game 2 with 36 points and 11 assists while shooting 13/27 from the field and 5/12 from the three-point range in 39 mintues of playing time.

Via Underdog NBA: "Most points over Games 1 and 2 of Conference Finals in NBA history:

LeBron James ('09 ECF) - 84
Rick Barry ('76 WCF) - 82
Jalen Brunson ('25 ECF) - 79

Brunson is the only player of the trio to lose both games."

Most points over Games 1 and 2 of Conference Finals in NBA history:

LeBron James ('09 ECF) - 84
Rick Barry ('76 WCF) - 82
Jalen Brunson ('25 ECF) - 79

Brunson is the only player of the trio to lose both games. pic.twitter.com/u7IAUH3t4H
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 25, 2025

Game 4 will be on Tuesday night (also in Indiana).

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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