Jalen Brunson was again the hero in leading the Knicks to a 105-95 win against the San Antonio Spurs in NBA Finals Game 1, and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one of many to be totally impressed with the Knicks superstar.
Any lingering doubts about whether a smaller guard can lead a team to a championship were challenged by another masterful playoff night from Brunson.
Shaquille O’Neal Praises Jalen Brunson’s Performance in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Brunson again proved why he belongs among the NBA’s elite during the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Spurs.
Brunson finished with 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, helping the Knicks get past early game struggles and secure a 1-0 lead in the series. He battled through multiple injury scares in the game, as Spurs forward Harrison Barnes fell into Brunson’s leg early, and later, he appeared to tweak his ankle.
However, Brunson remained in the game and fueled New York’s late comeback.
Every single time he steps on the court, he delivers, and O’Neal couldn’t help praising the Knicks star following the win.
“Brunson had his moment in the third quarter where he took over,” O’Neal said. “I admit, before the game, you know, Game 1 was always a fill-out game. I was anxious to see how he was going to do it against those top four defenders. He is ready for the lights, he’s ready for the big lights.”
“Third quarter, fourth quarter, he carried them a little bit, but the others for the Knicks definitely stepped up… They all played well. They did it by committing, and that’s how you win championships by committing.”
“[Jalen Brunson] just showed me … that he’s ready for the lights.”@SHAQ reacts to the Knicks’ 105-95 Game 1 win vs. the Spurs 🏀 pic.twitter.com/sndYsL4Ho6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 4, 2026
With the game tied and just over two minutes remaining, Brunson took control offensively, delivering the clutch baskets the Knicks needed. Wednesday’s performance also moved him into second place on the all-time list for most 30-point playoff games by a point guard.
Brunson credited the Knicks’ overall chemistry for helping them overcome a difficult night.
“Just sticking together – it wasn’t really our night and wasn’t really my night most of the night, but we kept finding a way, kept chipping away,” Brunson said afterward. “Just knowing we have each other’s back – there’s a lot of things we could have done better, but I think our togetherness was really the biggest difference.”
Brunson now leads all members of the 2018 NBA Draft class in playoff points with 2,107, ahead of stars such as Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mikal Bridges, and Michael Porter Jr., according to Polymarket Hoops.
His influence extended beyond scoring in Game 1, as Spurs players shot just 1-for-14 when Brunson was their primary defender, including 0-for-7 during the second half, according to ESPN tracking data.
Since Brunson joined the Knicks, they have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals twice, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and now hold a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Wednesday’s win was the Knicks’ seventh double-digit comeback in the second half over the last two postseasons, marking the most in the NBA so far.
Over their last 12 playoff games, the Knicks have gone undefeated with 12 wins, including 11 wins by double-digit margins.
