Looking at the Knicks, a team facing a series of daunting tasks against the Cavaliers, the best reason to feel optimistic about a playoff upset is the same reason their season was such a pleasant surprise.
Jalen Brunson.
Two years ago, Tom Thibodeau trotted out Elfrid Payton as the starting point guard. The Knicks, as you might recall, were outmatched over five games by the Hawks. The coach still makes the excuse that the series changed because of a loose ball near the end of Game 2, which is overlooking Payton’s deterioration and the duds from Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
But now the Knicks have Brunson, the same player who a year ago outplayed Donovan Mitchell in a first-round series between the Mavs and Jazz.
“He’s always played his best in big games,” Thibodeau said. “We all knew that. That’s just who he is. He’s gotten better every year. And his game translates. He can think on his feet.”
New York’s need for ‘Big Game’ Brunson is intensified by the uncertain status of Randle, who is recovering from an ankle sprain. If Randle returns for Game 1 in Cleveland on Saturday — which seems more likely since he became, according to Thibodeau, a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice — the power forward will have carried 17 days off between games.
Not a good way to start with rhythm. Brunson has a similar issue after sitting the final three games to rest his sore hand, but he’s also been able to run and play in the interim — and he stated Tuesday that the layoff is unconcerning.
“I work too hard not to be confident in myself, that’s all,” Brunson said.
Even if Randle’s healthy, he doesn’t carry the same clutch gene as Brunson. Randle was an utter disappointment in his only playoff series two years ago, when he shot under 30% against the Hawks and accumulated more turnovers than assists. Randle’s best quarter this season was the first.
Brunson, on the other hand, was a two-time NCAA champion who became a revelation last year on the big stage while lifting the Mavericks to the conference finals. It earned him a $104 million contract in New York, where he quickly became Thibodeau’s poised closer.
Brunson’s best quarter this season was the last.
Now he’s got a chance to lead the Knicks to their first postseason series victory in a decade, with another head-to-head battle against Mitchell that will dominate the storylines.
“It’s a progression of how I’ve been as a player,” Brunson said. “Every step of the way, I’ve found ways to get better and better. Every single year, every level I’m at. That’s been my mindset. What can I do to be the best player I can be, the most efficient player I can be and stay confident in myself.”
The Cavs certainly understand Brunson’s importance. He dropped 48 points on them less than two weeks ago, when the Knicks left Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with a 14-point statement victory.
The Cavs didn’t play two of their best defenders in that contest — Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro — which could significantly shift the calculus.
Barrett understands Brunson will get trapped by the defense of Cleveland, which allowed the NBA’s fewest points per game this season.
“They should [trap Brunson],” Barrett said. “That’s to be expected, for sure.”
Of course, Brunson’s gift is making the right decision under pressure. Unlike the Slam Dunk champion Mitchell, he’s not equipped with the physical tools of a star.
But his poise and IQ have already been proven enough to carry a playoff team.
“He can think on his feet. He can read defenses well,” Thibodeau said. “He knows where the holes are. He’s got a very fundamental game. So if you take something away, he knows what his counter is. He always has great balance. So he’s going to pivot. Shot fake. He’ll read. Doesn’t force things. He’ll hit the open man. So you’re not going to speed him up. That’s what makes him effective.”
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