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Jalen Brunson helped the New York Knicks secure the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973 — in more ways than one.
Brunson scored 45 points in the Knicks’ closeout Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The All-Star point guard averaged an astounding 32.6 points per game in the championship series, earning Finals MVP honors for New York’s 4-1 triumph.
Brunson’s contributions extend off the court as well.
Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the Knicks in 2022 — taking a serious pay cut. He left approximately $113 million on the table, giving the franchise salary cap flexibility instead of holding out for a projected $269 million max deal.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 13: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
More Basketball:Landry Shamet Delivers ‘Generationally Great’ Message About Jalen Brunson
During a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews after Game 5, Brunson was asked if this pay cut was worth it.
“100% worth it,” Brunson replied.
“Even if we didn’t achieve this, I feel like being able to do that and grind and go on a journey to try to achieve it would have been worth it as well,” Brunson added. “But this is definitely the cherry on top.”
More Basketball:Knicks’ Josh Hart Has Clear Request After NBA Finals Victory
Brunson will earn a salary of $40.5 million in 2027-28. He has a player option worth $43.3 million in 2028-29.
Brunson’s 45 points in Game 5 mark the most by any player in Knicks NBA Finals history, surpassing the previous mark of 38 set by Willis Reed in 1970.
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Brunson scored 45 points in the Knicks’ closeout Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The All-Star point guard averaged an astounding 32.6 points per game in the championship series, earning Finals MVP honors for New York’s 4-1 triumph.
Brunson’s contributions extend off the court as well.
Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the Knicks in 2022 — taking a serious pay cut. He left approximately $113 million on the table, giving the franchise salary cap flexibility instead of holding out for a projected $269 million max deal.
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 13: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
More Basketball:Landry Shamet Delivers ‘Generationally Great’ Message About Jalen Brunson
During a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews after Game 5, Brunson was asked if this pay cut was worth it.
“100% worth it,” Brunson replied.
“Even if we didn’t achieve this, I feel like being able to do that and grind and go on a journey to try to achieve it would have been worth it as well,” Brunson added. “But this is definitely the cherry on top.”
More Basketball:Knicks’ Josh Hart Has Clear Request After NBA Finals Victory
Brunson will earn a salary of $40.5 million in 2027-28. He has a player option worth $43.3 million in 2028-29.
Brunson’s 45 points in Game 5 mark the most by any player in Knicks NBA Finals history, surpassing the previous mark of 38 set by Willis Reed in 1970.
Related Articles
- Victor Wembanyama Wasn't Enough in the NBA Finals — The Spurs Need Jaylen Brown
- Landry Shamet Delivers 'Generationally Great' Message About Jalen Brunson
- Jalen Brunson Asked About Doubters After 45-Point NBA Finals Performance
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