The New York Knicks have a chance to go all the way in the NBA playoffs, and Jalen Brunson is one of the players who’s a real difference-maker for the team. Now, heading into the team’s series against the Atlanta Hawks, which kicks off on Saturday, April 18, the NBA has announced news on Brunson.
Brunson became a part of the New York Knicks in July of 2022, inking a four-year, $104 million contract with the team after leaving the Dallas Mavericks and becoming a free agent, according to NBA research. He became the face of the franchise almost from the start and got the team to the playoffs during the 2022-23 season, marking their first playoff appearance since 2013.
NBA Shares Exciting Historic Stat on New York Knicks Player Jalen Brunson Ahead of Series Against the Atlanta Hawks
On Thursday, April 16, the NBA took to social media to announce that with Brunson’s 25-plus PPG series, he’s now tied with the legendary Bob McAdoo and Carmelo Anthony for the most in New York Knicks history.
“Brunson making history with the legends, NYK got a real leader. Playoff mode activated,” one follower responded on X. “That’s elite company. Brunson really cementing himself in Knicks history alongside legends. Title hunt mode activated,” another said.
“Brunson really walked into the Garden and saved the franchise in two seasons. Build the statue already,” one more said.
So, it’s yet another reason to celebrate all things Brunson as this team heads into their playoff series against the Hawks. They’re favorites to go far, and it’s an exciting time to be into the Knicks.
NBA Analyst Pushes Back on Narrative That the New York Knicks Will Have It Easy
Even though the New York Knicks are strong going into the playoffs, nothing is a given in the NBA. In a feature for CBS Sports, John Gonzalez says that even though he has the Knicks winning in the first round, New York shouldn’t expect it to come easy.
“While I picked the Knicks to beat the Hawks in the first round, I don’t feel good about it and the Knicks shouldn’t expect it to be easy,” he says in the piece. “New York is the favorite in that series, but the Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break.”
Since the NBA All-Star break, the Hawks have loaded up on wins, only being outpaced by three teams: the Spurs, Thunder and Celtics.
“It’s also worth noting the Knicks were merely break-even against teams that were .500 or better. Feels like an upset alert,” Gonzalez adds. “At the very least, the Knicks would have rather faced the Raptors, who were the one “good” team they dispatched with ease all season, winning all five meetings.”
James Herbert of CBS Sports agrees. “Maybe I’m crazy, but I think the Hawks and Knicks are on about the same level,” he says in the same feature, “as evidenced by the game they played a week ago that came down to the last fraction of a second.”
So, it’s possible that the New York Knicks fall early and hard to the Hawks. But, if Brunson has anything to do with it, that won’t happen.
NBA Announces Jalen Brunson News Before Knicks-Hawks Series