For the first time since 1973, the New York Knicks are NBA champions, and Jalen Brunson led the franchise to a much-awaited title, restoring a city to glory.
Perceived as a role player just a few years ago, Brunson has grown into a top player, and after his MVP performance against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, social media timelines couldn’t stop showering him with praise.
Jalen Brunson’s Finals Masterclass Sparks Knicks GOAT Debate on Social Media
When Brunson signed with the Knicks, many viewed his contract as an overpay, but it ultimately became a story of self-belief. He is now an NBA champion and firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Knicks jersey, or perhaps even the greatest of all time.
PFSN Deputy Editor Alex Kennedy was one of many to trigger the discussion after Brunson claimed the MVP title with his historic Game 5 performance.
“A legacy-defining performance to cap off a legacy-changing postseason run. Jalen Brunson will go down as the best Knick of all-time when all is said and done,” Kennedy wrote.
A legacy-defining performance to cap off a legacy-changing postseason run. Jalen Brunson will go down as the best Knick of all-time when all is said and done. https://t.co/o1VYanjBjO
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 14, 2026
Hall of Fame legend Dwight Howard also weighed in on the discussion.
“Is Brunson the greatest Knick ever?” Howard asked.
“A conversation needs to be had…. Where does Jalen Brunson rank in Knicks history???” former Knicks player Theo Pinson asked.
In the four seasons before Brunson joined the Knicks, they missed the playoffs three times and suffered a first-round exit in their lone postseason appearance.
Since Brunson arrived, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals twice, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and now won an NBA championship.
Brunson also became only the fourth player listed at 6-foot-2 or shorter to win NBA Finals MVP, joining elite company that includes Stephen Curry and Isiah Thomas.
Former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas said it serves as a reminder that smaller guards can still lead teams to championships when given the opportunity.
“Jalen Brunson, thank you!!! Don’t run away from “small” guards! You can win with them too. Just gotta believe and give em a real opportunity,” Thomas tweeted.
Jalen Brunson thank you!!! Don’t run away from “small” guards! You can win with them too. Just gotta believe and give em a real opportunity
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 14, 2026
“In a league of killers, Jalen Brunson is one of the best winners of his generation. He won two chips at Villanova in three years, and he’s made the New York Knicks into NBA champions. At 6-foot-1-ish. He’s a great, GREAT basketball player,” The Athletic’s David Aldridge wrote.
“From the great @StatsWilliams: To have 45 points in a close-out Finals victory all-time: Michael Jordan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bob Pettit. And, now, Jalen Brunson. What a performance,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps wrote.
With his Game 5 performance, Brunson also became just the second player in history to score 45 or more points on the road in a title-clinching game, matching Michael Jordan’s legendary 1998 achievement in Utah.
Brunson also made financial sacrifices that helped shape New York’s championship roster. He reportedly took a $113 million pay cut in 2024 to give the Knicks the flexibility to retain OG Anunoby and acquire key pieces like Karl-Anthony Towns.
