Have you noticed the New York streets getting extra loud lately?
Maybe it’s the cheers spilling out of sports bars, the crowds gathering outside Madison Square Garden, or the constant wave of blue and orange jerseys flooding the subway stations.
The New York Knicks are on one of the most memorable playoff runs in franchise history, one that all New York sports fans will always remember.
After storming through the Eastern Conference, and winning 12 out of 14 games, the Knicks have reached the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals for the first time since 1999 against the San Antonio Spurs, a team that beat them that year.
Yesterday, the Knicks beat the Spurs 105–95 to lead the series 1–0 in a best-of-seven series.
The Knicks have the chance to bring New York its third championship, most recently won in 1973, a year that some Museum students’ parents weren’t even alive for.
As exciting as this run has been, it raises the question: How did the team get here?
In March 2020, the Knicks, a team that had not reached the playoffs in seven seasons, decided to hire prominent sports agent Leon Rose to become their team president. Since then, Rose has elevated this team to a whole new level.
Rose’s best decision was taking a chance on a player who was thought by analysts to be “too small” to be a true number one option on a championship team. In July 2022, Rose’s Knicks signed free-agent point guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract, a substantial commitment for someone who was “not a franchise-changing player” and whom many believed the Knicks would regret overpaying for a “mid-level star,” according to Bleacher Report.
Additionally, the Knicks had recently hired Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father. Along with being Jalen’s dad, Rick was a former Knick himself and a member of the 1999 Finals team. With the additions of Rick and Jalen, social media embraced the narrative of “nepotism,” claiming that Jalen benefitted from Rick’s hiring.
Supporters of Brunson looked to his high upside and his record of success during his college years at Villanova. Brunson was a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Champion, and he was the National College Player of the Year in 2018.
Despite this, Brunson’s road to NBA success was far from guaranteed. Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Despite this, Brunson’s road to NBA success was far from guaranteed. Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
As a second-round pick, expectations were set low. Many questioned his size, athleticism, and scoring ability and doubted his potential to become a highly touted franchise player at the pro level.
During his four-year tenure in Dallas, Brunson vastly improved while playing alongside superstar player Luka Doncic. Brunson developed his reputation in Dallas as a smart and dependable guard who could score effectively and efficiently, raising his stock through his playoff appearances.
However, few believed that he could take the next step and lead his own team.
That changed when his flight landed in the Big Apple.
From the moment he arrived in New York, Brunson embraced and flourished under the pressure that comes with one of the world’s largest sports markets. He quickly became the team’s engine and earned the trust of both his teammates and the passionate Knicks fanbase.
Throughout this playoff run, he has repeatedly delivered when New York needed him most. Nicknamed “Captain Clutch,” Brunson’s calm demeanor and confidence have helped guide New York through some of the most stressful moments this season has produced.
Along with his ability to perform on the court, Brunson’s decision making off of the court has greatly contributed to the Knicks success. According to ESPN, in July 2024, Brunson became eligible to sign a five-year, $270 million maximum contract extension. However, Brunson opted to take a $113 million pay cut in his extension, signing a four-year, $156.5 million contract.
Brunson’s intention to strengthen the team rather than accept more money for himself unlocked the full potential of the Knicks, allowing them to have the assets to re-sign OG Anunoby and trade for Mikal Bridges, both key players and contributors to this year’s major success.
The 2026 playoffs have cemented Brunson’s status as one of the NBA’s elite guards. Time and time again, he has delivered in crucial moments, taking over games when the Knicks needed him most. Whether through his scoring, playmaking, or leadership, Brunson has proven that the same player many considered too small to lead a contender is now the driving force behind a team just four wins away from a championship.
As the Knicks continue their historic run, Brunson’s story serves as a symbol of the idea that greatness is not always recognized immediately, but rather revealed through adversity and perseverance. Once viewed as too small and not talented enough, Brunson has evolved into an all-time great franchise player and has demonstrated that the right mentality can overcome even the harshest criticism.
Whether the Knicks ultimately win the NBA Finals or not, Brunson’s name will continue to be heard by fans, and seen on their backs for years to come. For a city that has waited decades for success, Brunson and his teammates have given New York something it has been looking for: hope.
