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Jalen Brunson poised to make NBA history in Knicks-Spurs Finals
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson poised to make NBA history in Knicks-Spurs Finals

The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are slated to duke it out in the NBA Finals, and the series will put the spotlight on Knicks star Jalen Brunson.

During the Knicks' sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson, who won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award, averaged 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists, showing that he can impress even under pressure.

When Brunson takes the floor on Wednesday for Game 1, he'll instantly make NBA history.

Jalen Brunson is about to make NBA history

According to NBA Communications, Jalen and his father, Rick Brunson, are making NBA history this season.

"Rick Brunson played for the Knicks in the 1999 NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson will do the same in 2026," they stated in a post on X. "The Brunsons will become the first father-son duo to each play in the NBA Finals for the same franchise."

Jalen has praised this team throughout the NBA playoffs. Amid their sweep of the Cavaliers, he talked about how proud he was of his teammates.

"We have a bunch of individuals in that locker room who work really hard, and they're very psychotic about their work and things they do," Brunson said, according to ESPN. "When their number's called and when it's time to go, they're ready. A lot of real professionals on our roster."

That statement rings true, because Knicks head coach Mike Brown was largely expected to build up the team's bench and keep their starters well-rested. That's made the difference. Game 1 is set for Wednesday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson is an award-winning news reporter covering the NFL, NBA, college sports and more for Yardbarker. Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, and her work has been published by Fox Sports, ESPN and Newsweek, among others. She has also interviewed a bevy of big names in sports and entertainment, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

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