Jalen Brunson’s selflessness made Knicks running offense through Karl-Anthony Towns work

This was a few weeks ago, after the Knicks had dropped two straight games to the Hawks and were looking at what would’ve been a disastrous early playoff exit.

Mike Brown went to the players with an idea. He wanted to switch things up on the offensive end, to put the ball in Karl-Anthony Towns’ hands more. It meant Jalen Brunson playing off the ball at times and getting his shots in different ways.

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Some stars may have pushed back, feeling they were being blamed for the team’s struggles. Brunson didn’t think twice.

The willingness of Jalen Brunson (left) to let the Knicks run the offense through Karl-Anthony Towns has paid dividends. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“Was there any concern? No. What was the dialogue? The dialogue was, ‘OK, let’s do it,’” he recalled Wednesday after the Knicks’ first practice since sweeping the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. “It was that simple. There’s not really much you can talk about at that point when you’re down 2-1.”

When it was suggested to Brunson that other stars may not have taken the change in stride, he responded: “1) I’m not a star. 2) I want to win.”

As he walked out of the press conference room, he added: “I’m not self-centered, that’s why.”

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This, of course, isn’t the first time Brunson has shown his selfless side. Two years ago, he agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension in which he left money on the table. The deal went into effect this season. It helped the Knicks stay out of the second apron and build out their bench.

And this change, while taking the ball out of Brunson’s hands somewhat, has worked out better than anyone could’ve anticipated.

The Knicks haven’t lost since, reeling off seven consecutive victories by an average of 26.4 points. Towns has thrived in a playmaking role, totaling 66 assists this postseason, 44 more than a year ago.

The Knicks have produced a through-the-roof 130.5 offensive rating per 100 possessions over these seven games.

Brunson has taken off, too, averaging 27.3 points while shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jalen-brunson-selflessness-made-knicks-020956400.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-14 02:09:00

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