Two summers ago, when the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson for four years, many questioned their decision and wondered what difference a backup guard would make in the team. But no one would have thought that in just two years, JB would be only one win away from leading the Knicks to the Conference Finals and become a New York legend. Although his stardom came out of the blue, legendary announcer Mike Breen reminded the world that Brunson did show some signs of greatness when he was playing under the shadow of Luka Doncic in Dallas.

Making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Breen dove into the rise of Brunson in New York and claimed, “You knew the potential was there.” Because Brunson was playing alongside Luka Doncic, who is a generational talent, he had to settle in a backup role in Dallas and everyone knew he would not get much playing time. However, when the opportunity presented itself after Luka got injured during the first round of the playoffs in 2022, JB pounced on his chance to make a name for himself. “He had a 41-point game in the playoffs.” Yes, Brunson might have shown his first sign of greatness when he scored his then-career-high 41 points in Game 2 against Utah without Doncic.

Notably, Brunson scored all those points without committing a single turnover. He became the first Mavs player to do so in the playoffs. He then went on to average over 21 points while Doncic continued being in and out of the playoff lineup because of the injury. JB’s breakout performance helped the Mavs reach the Conference Finals for the first time since their Championship run! Despite those signs, Mike Breen claimed that no one expected what they are seeing in New York today. Interestingly, not even JB’s father Rick, who is an assistant coach with the Knicks. “I don’t even think his dad thought that he was gonna be one of the top scorers in the NBA, an MVP candidate.”

What makes Jalen Brunson so great?

While Jalen’s rise might seem like a fluke to some looking from a distance, it becomes much clearer if you look more closely. Shining light upon the point guard’s work ethic, Breen revealed every wild shot that Brunson takes is practiced over and over again. Moreover, JB’s personality makes it easier for anyone under his leadership, “He is as humble as he is hungry out on the court,” Breen said. Sharing the court with his Villanova teammates, Hart and DiVincenzo, Brunson never lets his ego take over.

Breen also revealed an important aspect that makes Brunson similar to other great players. “He never lets a bad game get in the way… but he also puts a good game aside.” While many players have a tendency to dwell on the past and lose focus on what’s ahead, Brunson seems to have it all figured out!

Be it a 40-point outburst or a single-digit choke job, Brunson buries it on the day itself. Maybe, that is what has helped him bounce back from a bad performance every time.

What do you think?