Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) sits on the bench in the final minutes of the game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson Makes Honest Statement After Pacers-Knicks Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 22, 2025 2:57 AM ET

On Wednesday night, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals (at home).

Brunson finished the 138-135 overtime loss with 43 points, one rebound and five assists while shooting 15/25 from the field in 38 minutes.

Via New York Knicks PR: "Jalen Brunson has scored 30+ points tonight against the Pacers. This marks his 18th career 30+ point playoff game as a Knick, which ties Patrick Ewing for the most in franchise history."

Jalen Brunson has scored 30+ points tonight against the Pacers. This marks his 18th career 30+ point playoff game as a Knick, which ties Patrick Ewing for the most in franchise history.
— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) May 22, 2025

After the game, the All-Star point guard made an honest statement when he met with the media.

Brunson (via SNY's Knicks Videos): "In the playoffs, when you win, it's the best thing ever. When you lose, it's the worst thing ever. The best way to deal with all that is just stay level-headed and making sure we have each other's backs. Obviously, not the way we wanted to finish the game."

"In the playoffs, when you win, it's the best thing ever. When you lose, it's the worst thing ever. The best way to deal with all that is to stay level-headed and making sure we have each other's backs."

- Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/nGB8KjPMtE
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 22, 2025

The Knicks will now need to win Game 2 (on Friday night) to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole with Games 3 and 4 in Indiana.

Via Underdog NBA: "The Pacers trailed the Knicks by 15 with 4:55 left in the 4th quarter, then:

- Aaron Nesmith made six 3-pointers
- Knicks missed 2 free throws
- Tyrese Haliburton foot on the line forces OT
- Pacers withstand 8 lead changes in OT

Indiana steals Game 1."

The Pacers trailed the Knicks by 15 with 4:55 left in the 4th quarter, then:

- Aaron Nesmith made six 3-pointers
- Knicks missed 2 free throws
- Tyrese Haliburton foot on the line forces OT
- Pacers withstand 8 lead changes in OT

Indiana steals Game 1. pic.twitter.com/1pls2xcgId
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 22, 2025

Brunson is in his seventh NBA season (and third with the Knicks).

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

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