Jalen Brunson Outlines The Key To Knicks' Success This Season

The New York Knicks are coming off a fairly impressive campaign in the 2024-25 season. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Knicks proved themselves as a capable team. However, they know that it isn't enough.

Knicks star Jalen Brunson is aware of the opportunity they have heading into the 2025-26 season. To make the most of it, Brunson outlined the key to the team's success during an interview with Games Hub's D.J. Siddiqi.

"Hopefully we don’t have that mindset going into the season where we think we’re just going to jump back into the Eastern Conference Finals,” said the Knicks guard, highlighting the impact of complacency. "We need to be able to go through this process again and continue to get better and to fight to get over that hump.”

Brunson noted that each passing year had been a valuable learning experience for the team. "I think we’ve been taking steady steps every year. The best part about our team is the chemistry we’ve grown and we’ve created. A lot of people help us on this journey, and to be able to be where we are now, it’s nothing to be satisfied about."

Over the last season, New York has certainly grown in stature. Their performances in the postseason were a clear depiction of that. 

After cruising past the Detroit Pistons in the first round, the Knicks showcased grit and tenacity in their spectacular comeback wins against the Boston Celtics in the semifinals.

One of the major factors that helped propel the Knicks forward this season was the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns. During the interview, Brunson acknowledged the role the star big man played in facilitating wins for the team. 

Apart from Towns' addition, the Knicks have made a notable investment in their core unit this offseason. Having offered a four-year, $150 million deal to Mikal Bridges, New York has secured its starting lineup for the future.

The franchise's offseason activities appear to be a response to the team's performance last season. Given what they have achieved, there is every reason to believe that this team could make it all the way. 

It is also worth noting that the upcoming season presents a unique opportunity for teams in the East.

With teams like the Celtics and the Pacers falling out of contention due to injuries, and other contenders like the Bucks and the 76ers struggling with their rosters, the conference has a vacancy at the top that is ripe for the taking.

The Knicks will attempt to make the most of this situation, and considering their roster strength, they are primed to seize the top spot. 

In light of this, Brunson's role will be even more crucial. With a new head coach and system in place, the onus will fall on him to set the tone in each game as New York prepares for a title push.