Stephen A. Smith Names One Thunder Player Who Can Do to Knicks What Jalen Brunson Does to Everyone Else

Stephen A. Smith and Jalen Brunson (Photo by Imagn Images)

Stephen A. Smith Names One Thunder Player Who Can Do to Knicks What Jalen Brunson Does to Everyone Else

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated May 28, 2026 1:12 AM ET

Jalen Brunson has become the bona fide star of the New York Knicks. And according to Stephen A. Smith, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a similar guy who can wreak havoc against his beloved Knicks should they meet in the NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks are in the NBA Finals – a feat they haven’t done since 1999. They’ve done it with Jalen Brunson leading the way. The diminutive guard had to sacrifice a ton of money in the pursuit of making the Knicks financially flexible to add/retain players. His gamble paid off in a huge way. While we know what he can do, Stephen A. is wary of a certain Thunder player who could have a similar impact should that team make the Finals.

“Completely, utterly, and totally unfazed by the moment. And he’s [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] just going to come at you and just do what he does. You might get the better of him one or even two games, but in the end, his attitude is I’m going to be the one standing,” Stephen A. Smith said.

Stephen A. Smith says the one person that can do to the Knicks what Jalen Brunson does to his opponents, that person is SGA:

“Completely, utterly and totally unfazed by the moment. And he’s just going to come at you and just do what he does. You might get the better of him one… pic.twitter.com/nim3Wg8yTm
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 27, 2026

There’s no doubt about that one. SGA is the reigning back-to-back league Most Valuable Player. With the Oklahoma City Thunder up 3-2 against the San Antonio Spurs, the odds are currently favoring them to win the West. Should the Thunder play the Knicks, the latter will have their hands full guarding Shai.

Jalen Brunson Proving Critics Wrong Through His Strong Play

Looking at basketball history, not many small guards have led their teams to the NBA Finals. Sure, there were some exceptions, but it’s still a rare sight to see a 6-foot-2 player like Brunson as the number one option on a contending team.

Jalen Brunson (Image Credits: Imagn)

Becky Hammon, a former WNBA player, was extremely skeptical about Jalen Brunson’s ability to lead the Knicks to a championship. Many have chimed in with their opinions, too. Safe to say that the 29-year-old Knicks star continues to prove critics wrong at this stage of his career.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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