The NFL isn’t usually very active in June. Well, this year might be an exception with extensions being nailed down and a blockbuster Myles Garrett trade. But that isn’t common. The NBA in June is different, though. This is when legacies are cemented.
Jalen Brunson’s clutch baskets got the Knicks the win in Game 1 and caught the attention of much of the NFL world as analysts and ex-players showered Brunson with praise.
Jalen Brunson Earns Praise for Heroics in Game 1 of NBA Finals
The Knicks haven’t been to the NBA Finals since 1999. In that year, they lost to the Spurs. They have the chance to enact revenge for that squad, and in Game 1, the Knicks came back to steal one on the road. Late in the game, Brunson played a role so familiar to him, Captain Clutch.
His fadeaway jumper over Devin Vassell was the nail in the coffin for the Spurs. It wasn’t his best overall game, but down the stretch, he showed his prowess. He finished with 30 points, with 13 coming in the fourth quarter.
“Jalen Brunson showed the heart of a freaking champion down the stretch. Absolutely incredible,” said ex-NFL LB Emmanuel Acho.
Jalen Brunson showed the heart of a freaking champion down the stretch. Absolutely incredible.
WE LIVE NOW! Pour yourself a drink and hit the link below 🔥🔥 https://t.co/Ihf5kmPH8P
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) June 4, 2026
Brunson dealt with knee and ankle issues in the first half, but battled through to send the Knicks one win closer to a championship and himself one step closer to immortality in New York. Acho wasn’t the only one to give Brunson his flowers, either.
“Don’t have an NBA team. Brunson is my favorite NBA player in a long time,” said ex-Lions QB Dan Orlovsky.
Giants and Jets reporter Connor Hughes chimed in with praise for his favorite team’s leader. “He’s just so damn good,” said Hughes on Brunson.
As a small guard, Brunson is a relatable story for many. An underdog that has been doubted throughout his career, showing out on the biggest stage. He’s dispelling any doubts about his size in this playoff run. Although Brunson was masterful, there were plenty of other Knicks who were outstanding.
“Hart got every board. KAT had insane energy all game. Brunson went Brunson in the 4th. What a gutsy close from the Knicks,” said FS1’s Danny Parkins.
Josh Hart was simply everywhere for New York, and Karl-Anthony Towns was impeccable defensively. Towns, who is often criticized for his defense, shut down Victor Wembanyama while Hart led all players with 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. These two helped the Knicks win their 12th straight playoff game, a mark only topped by the 2017 Warriors (15 straight).
“The New York Knicks have won 12 consecutive games in the playoffs. Wow. Unbelievable,” said Robert Griffin III.
Ever since the Knicks fell behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks have won 11 of their 12 wins in a row by double-digits.
Guess what? The Knicks won by double digits again.
The literal hottest stretch in the history of the NBA playoffs continues.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) June 4, 2026
Chad Ochocinco made sure to troll on social media and take a victory lap for predicting the Knicks to win.
“I told Iso & Unc, Knicks in 6 and grab you a Twix, we are live & once again I’m correct on game 1,” said Ochocinco.
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The Knicks played incredibly well down the stretch with big shots from Brunson, key rebounds from Hart, and even important three-pointers from OG Anunoby. The Knicks’ experience proved too much as the Spurs lost control in crunch time. Neither team played their best brand, but the Spurs drew criticism for their late-game play.
“The San Antonio Spurs need more from De’AAron Fox. He has to play better and contribute more for them to beat the Knicks. 7 points on 3-13 shooting, 0-4 from 3 and the same number of turnovers as FGs made isn’t his standard. Wemby needs him to get back righteous or this series is over,” said Griffin.
The San Antonio Spurs need more from De’AAron Fox. He has to play better and contribute more for them to beat the Knicks.
7 points on 3-13 shooting, 0-4 from 3 and the same number of turnovers as FGs made isn’t his standard.
Wemby needs him to get back righteous or this…
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 4, 2026
Wembanyama struggled to knock down shots, and his turnover late in the game set up a key bucket for New York. Spurs rookie Dylan Harper shone with 16 points and 8 rebounds, but sat for Fox in the closing moments. Fox struggled, and if he doesn’t show up in this series, it’s going to be tough for San Antonio.
Former Packers WR Greg Jennings was puzzled by the Spurs’ offensive game plan at times. Brunson isn’t the biggest and was certainly beaten up in Game 1, but Jennings didn’t see them making an effort to go at Brunson.
“Curious as to why the Spurs never decided to hunt Brunson in defensive matchups. They should kept putting him in ball screen actions and forcing him to guard the ball handler,” said Jennings.
Brunson shut down the reputation as a bad defender, holding opponents to 1-15 from the field as the primary defender. The Spurs tried to go at him, but had almost no success.
Former NFL WR Dez Bryant isn’t worried for the Spurs, though. He thinks the trophy is still heading back to San Antonio once the series is all over. “Spurs lost a 15 point lead against OKC and responded in fashion. Knicks winning Game 1 is good for TV. Spurs in 6,” said Bryant.
Game 2 is shaping up to be a great one. The Knicks and Spurs will battle again on Friday in San Antonio with what some might say is a must-win for the Spurs at home.
