The New York Knicks came into the playoffs looking like a budding contender. They made a big statement in Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons on April 19, with a 123-112 win. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 34 points, showing leadership and calm as the Knicks looked ready to take over the series. But just two days later, the story flipped — and not in New York’s favor.
In Game 2, on April 21, the Pistons hit back with energy and urgency, handing the Knicks a 100-94 loss. And now, with a huge Game 3 set to tip off on April 24, Brunson’s brutally honest take is making waves.
Jalen Brunson Makes an Honest Admission
During a recent appearance on “NBA on TNT,” Brunson joined the panel briefly, and Charles Barkley didn’t hold back. The Hall of Famer asked Brunson directly what the Knicks need to change ahead of Game 3, and Brunson didn’t shy away.
“Most importantly, just starting fast. I think they’ve gotten the better of us starting the game in Games 1 and 2, and we have had to climb back in both games, and the other night we didn’t do well by finishing off.
“We’ve got to start off well. They are playing way too well, way too fast for us to start off slow, so I think that’s what’s important to us,” Brunson said on the show.
Charles Barkley: "What do you guys need to improve on going into Game 3?"
Jalen Brunson: "Most importantly starting fast…We've had to climb back both games…They're playing way too well & way too fast for us to start off slow"pic.twitter.com/OcBxD5uFkF
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 23, 2025
Brunson’s comments came after a tough loss that exposed a few cracks in the Knicks’ momentum. Despite his own 37-point showing, he couldn’t drag New York to the finish line.
From the opening half, the Pistons looked sharper, hungrier, and more physical. They built a six-point lead by halftime, and it was clear to fans and analysts which team wanted it more.
Cade Cunningham lit up the Knicks for 33 points, slicing through the defense with ease. Dennis Schröder chipped in 20 more. The Knicks, meanwhile, struggled throughout the night with sluggish ball movement and poor rotations on defense.
Now, with the series tied at 1-1 and momentum swinging Detroit’s way, Game 3 is huge. The Knicks are back on the court tonight with everything on the line. Brunson’s words weren’t just criticism — they were a wake-up call. The real question is: Will the rest of the team respond?
Brunson’s Comment on Winning an Award
Brunson was officially named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, an award that honors the league’s most consistent closer in the biggest moments. During another spot on “NBA on TNT,” Kenny Smith asked what the award meant to him beyond just putting up points.
Brunson’s answer was direct. He made it clear he’s focused on more than just scoring.
“Just finding a way to win. That’s the most important thing. You can make clutch plays, but they don’t mean anything if you don’t win. The winning part is most important to me,” Brunson said.
His season backed that mindset. Brunson ran away with the Clutch Player of the Year vote, earning 70 first-place votes, 24 second-place votes, and four third-place votes. His 426 total points locked him in as the league’s most dependable closer this year.