And to think that two years ago, he was only Luka Doncic's understudy at the Mavericks… Today, Jalen Brunson is an All-Star, “franchise player”, and he has had exceptional playoffs.
Since the series against the Sixers, he has accumulated brilliant performances, writing his name in the history books, and last night, with his 44 points scored in Game 5 against the Pacers, he became the 7th player since 1980 , to accumulate at least five matches with 40 points or more in the same playoffs!
The accompanying sextet is made up of legends: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Bernard King, Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O'Neal. “It’s big shot after big shot” summarizes Tom Thibodeau. “It’s like a machine!” He is determined. Match after match, he is ready, and he will be ready for the next one. »
A franchise record in your pocket
Accompanied by Miles McBride to start the game, Jalen Brunson greatly benefited from the rebound domination of his teammates. For what ? Because a ball recovered and released well is the assurance of being able to set the pace and weigh on the defense. Last night, Jalen Brunson continued to undermine the Pacers' withdrawal. At the break, he was already at 28 points. A franchise record…
“I think that collectively, whatever the situation, we keep the same state of mind whatever happens”he reacts. “And no matter how I feel or how anyone else feels, we know what's at stake, we know what we need to do and we're going to find a solution. »
Brunson never complains
Perhaps most impressive is Jalen Brunson's ability to elevate his game in big games. In Game 5 against the Sixers, he scored 40 points. That night, he planted 44. “And you will never hear him make excuses… He never talks about his injuries” continues Tom Thibodeau. “When we hear players talk about injuries, it’s often to make excuses. It's not his type. He is more likely to say to himself: 'How can I do better?' “.
Another strong point of Jalen Brunson: he never overreacts. In press conferencehe is always composed and calm, whether the Knicks take 30 points, or whether they score 30…
“If there's one thing I learned in the playoffs, it's that one game really has no effect on the next…Whether you win by 1 or 30 points, it won't have any impact on the following. This is why, at the end of this meeting, we only have one thing in mind: how to prepare for Game 6.”
