Despite putting up a strong performance, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks found themselves in a sticky spot on Saturday as the Indiana Pacers defeated them in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson’s strength did not come in handy as he finished the game with 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists on 8-of-18 shooting in the devastating 125-108 loss.
For the time in the series, Brunson was limited to under 20 points. Moreover, this was the second straight season that Indiana knocked New York out of contention. Yet, Brunson’s biggest fan couldn’t help but post a positive message on her Instagram, despite the setback.
Jalen Brunson’s Wife Stands by the New York Knicks Despite the Loss
Brunson’s wife, Ali Brunson, took to her Instagram story to share a heartfelt message for her husband as New York mourns the tough loss.
“Beyond proud of this team,” she wrote on Sunday as she posted a picture of her husband standing on the Knicks center court logo. The message continued, “New York forever”, followed by a white heart.
Jalen and his wife have been together since high school. They’ve seen all the ups and downs from their days in Illinois, as they went to prom together, and maintained a relationship even at different colleges. While Brunson was at Villanova, Ali went to the University of Illinois.
The Brunsons decided to call it forever in September 2022 and got married in July 2023. They welcomed their daughter, Jordan James Brunson, on July 31.
Drafted no. 33 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Mavericks, he played four seasons for the team. He then signed a 4-year $104 million contract as a free agent and later signed an extension with the Knicks.
Knicks’ Season Ended With Discourse Over Brunson and Tom Thibodeau Partnership
The 28-year-old Knicks star reached the postseason for the third time this year. This year was even more special since he made it to the Conference Finals, the farthest he has gone with his head coach, Tom Thibodeau.
Even when asked if Thibodeau is the right guide for the Knicks, he readily stood up to define without even pausing for a microsecond. “Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy,” Brunson said. “Yes. Come on.”
Jalen Brunson was asked if he has confidence that Tom Thibodeau is the right coach for the Knicks moving forward:
“Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe if he’s the right guy. Yes.” pic.twitter.com/FRjCO8genL
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 1, 2025
Thibodeau has been a guiding force in New York since 2020, focusing on regrouping the team this summer, as their ultimate goal of winning a championship is not forgotten.
“I think the challenge for us is to look at it for what it is. We finished in the top three. But we’re falling short of the ultimate goal,” Thibodeau said.
“For us, it’s to use that as motivation and determination to work all summer to prepare ourselves to make the final step to keep improving so we can achieve our goal. I think that’s the way we have to approach it and that’s the way we have to look at it.”
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This core delivered 51 wins, propelling the Knicks to fifth in offensive rating (117.3) and eighth in net rating (4.0). They beat the Detroit Pistons, stunned the reigning champion Boston Celtics, and came in as an aggressive force against the Pacers.
Thibodeau did everything in his capacity — experimented with lineups, deeper rotations, and extended minutes, but the Pacers overwhelmed the Knicks. They stalled their momentum, sending waves of defenders at Brunson. Thibodeau’s tactics and roster change strategies all collapsed.
Despite the heartbreaking ending, the 2024-25 season was a milestone for Brunson and the team.
