Jalen Brunson Deflects ‘Star’ Question When Discussing Acceptance Of Off-Ball Role
Editor
Jalen Brunson Deflects 'Star' Question When Discussing Acceptance Of Off-Ball Role Jalen Brunson immediately accepted a reduced ball-handling role when coach Mike Brown proposed running more offense through Karl-Anthony Towns during the playoffs, a shift that has since produced seven consecutive New York Knicks victories.
The adjustment came after New York dropped two straight games to the Atlanta Hawks in their first round series, putting the team in danger of an early postseason exit. Brown approached players about redistributing offensive responsibilities, with Brunson moving off the ball more frequently.
"Was there any concern? No. What was the dialogue? The dialogue was, 'OK, let's do it,'" Brunson said Wednesday. "It was that simple. There's not really much you can talk about at that point when you're down 2-1."
When a reporter suggested other star players might have resisted, Brunson replied: "1) I'm not a star. 2) I want to win." He added while leaving: "I'm not self-centered, that's why."
New York has outscored opponents by an average of 26.4 points during the streak, posting a 130.5 offensive rating per 100 possessions. Towns has recorded 66 postseason assists, 44 more than his total from a year ago.
Brunson's own production has climbed as well. He is averaging 27.3 points on 51.9 percent shooting and 42.6 percent from three during the streak. His scoring efficiency per touch rose from .285 during the regular season to .324.
"Putting KAT in that position knowing we have great screeners and great cutters, and like I said a great facilitator, it was easier to say, 'Let's try it and do it more,'" Brown said.
Brunson's buy-in mirrors his 2024 contract extension, a four-year, $156.5 million deal in which he accepted less than market value, helping New York avoid the second apron and strengthen its roster depth.
Jalen Brunson immediately accepted a reduced ball-handling role when coach Mike Brown proposed running more offense through Karl-Anthony Towns during the playoffs, a shift that has since produced seven consecutive New York Knicks victories.
The adjustment came after New York dropped two straight games to the Atlanta Hawks in their first round series, putting the team in danger of an early postseason exit. Brown approached players about redistributing offensive responsibilities, with Brunson moving off the ball more frequently.
“Was there any concern? No. What was the dialogue? The dialogue was, ‘OK, let’s do it,'” Brunson said Wednesday. “It was that simple. There’s not really much you can talk about at that point when you’re down 2-1.”
When a reporter suggested other star players might have resisted, Brunson replied: “1) I’m not a star. 2) I want to win.” He added while leaving: “I’m not self-centered, that’s why.”
New York has outscored opponents by an average of 26.4 points during the streak, posting a 130.5 offensive rating per 100 possessions. Towns has recorded 66 postseason assists, 44 more than his total from a year ago.
Brunson’s own production has climbed as well. He is averaging 27.3 points on 51.9 percent shooting and 42.6 percent from three during the streak. His scoring efficiency per touch rose from .285 during the regular season to .324.
“Putting KAT in that position knowing we have great screeners and great cutters, and like I said a great facilitator, it was easier to say, ‘Let’s try it and do it more,'” Brown said.
Brunson’s buy-in mirrors his 2024 contract extension, a four-year, $156.5 million deal in which he accepted less than market value, helping New York avoid the second apron and strengthen its roster depth.
