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Jalen Brunson at ESPY 2026 Getty
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Lakers guard Austin Reaves defended Knicks star Jalen Brunson during a regular-season game. Reaves later praised Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, saying their chemistry and willingness to "play for one another" helped power New York's championship run. Getty
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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks to the media at Knicks Training Facility on September 23, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) Getty
Jalen Brunson isn’t the player screaming in huddles or chasing headlines. He doesn’t need to be. After leading the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years, he’s already talking about what’s next instead of talking about what just happened, and that says everything about how he leads.
Brunson Embraces the Responsibility of Leading the Knicks
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GettyJalen Brunson Hints at Knicks’ Mindset for Next Season
Speaking about his role as the Knicks’ captain, Brunson explained why leadership has always come naturally to him.
âItâs interesting. Itâs something that I feel comfortable in, Iâve always felt like a leader in some way, being the leader of my team. Itâs fun because you get to see what type of teammates you have, and how you can push them everyday,â as per Jason Petrucci.
That’s the real Brunson, no big speech, just a player who’s been the steady hand since day one. From the moment he signed in free agency, he’s set the tone with how he prepares and carries himself, and the rest of the roster has followed.
This past season took that to another level. Brunson dragged New York through a grueling playoff run, then turned in one of the best Finals performances in franchise history: 32.6 points a game on a wrist he’d eventually need surgery on, capped by a 45-point explosion in the Game 5 clincher that sealed Finals MVP.
Why Brunson’s Leadership Will Be Crucial to the Knicks’ Title Defense?
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GettyJalen Brunson Sets Expectations for the Knicks Ahead of the New Season
Winning a title with Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart in the fold wasn’t just about talent; someone had to hold that group together, and Brunson became that player.
He didn’t just lead with words either. Taking a team-friendly extension gave the front office room to build around him, which tells you exactly what kind of culture he’s trying to set.
That mindset matters more now than ever. The Knicks aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore; they’re the champs, and every team on the schedule will be gunning for them.
Brunson’s expected to be good to go for training camp as he recovers from the wrist surgery, and if these comments are any hint, his head’s already in the right place: keeping this locker room hungry instead of comfortable.
Bottom line is that next season, Brunson’s scoring will matter, sure. But it’s his ability to keep this group locked in as champions, not challengers, that could end up being the difference.
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