The New York Knicks are undeniably one of the hottest teams this season. The main reason for their phenomenal season is none other than franchise superstar Jalen Brunson. Behind the first-time All-Star, his team rallied to finish their regular season as the second seed in the East with a 50-32 record. Not to mention, they were on a five-game winning streak as they ended the season.
Despite it all, the fans are not satisfied. It seems like a team win is not enough anymore to please them. And Brunson knows it too well. Even with the busy playoff schedule, the star guard made sure to keep his show running. Roommates Show, the podcast of Jalen and his teammate Josh Hart, along with host Matt Hillman, got together for Part 2 of the John Starks episode.
One topic they discussed was the hate DMs and voice recordings they received from angry fans. Brunson recounted one of the most bizarre such incidents. “I actually played well that day,” he pointed out before narrating. “So I don’t know what the problem was. They were like, ‘We’re going to kill everyone in your family.’ Like they went down the line. ‘Your mother, your unborn kids.‘ All that,” he finished.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram
Did you just feel a chill go down your spine? The 2x NCAA champion might have said this in the most casual voice. But to hear these words from a total stranger who is supposed to be a “fan” after playing a good game is nothing short of madness. The social media era that we are living in today makes it all the more easy to feel more connected with people you admire or idolize. Sports entities definitely fall under that category.
But it can also be detrimental to one’s mental health. The kind of comments, insults, and jabs directed at these extraordinary individuals can take a toll on them. On the other end, though, as Brunson himself pointed out, “They’re betting their livelihood on us.” And when these followers lose money because of a slight difference in scores or other statistics, they take their anger out on the players.
Yet, do the Knicks truly deserve so much hate, especially given the season they have been showcasing? Let’s take a quick walk through their playoff stretch.
Jalen Brunson and Co. continue giving it their all as they prepare to close out the second round
The Knicks continued their winning ways as they faced the dominant Sixers for the first round of the playoffs. Only, dominance wasn’t exactly Philly’s best suit. The absence of their giant center, Joel Embiid, might have had something to do with it. Even so, they put up a great fight, defeating the ‘Big Apple’ twice with quite the dominant outings, too. Unfortunately for the 76ers, NYC went ahead and finished the series with a 4-2 win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As they continue their onslaught against the Pacers, Jalen Brunson and Co. once again find themselves in a similar situation as round 1. Leading the EC semis 3-2, all ‘The Empire State’ requires is one win and they are good to go. However, they are facing Tyrese Haliburton-led Indiana. Not an easy target. The fact that they overthrew a Damian Lillard-led Bucks to go against the Knicks is proof enough that they aren’t to be taken lightly.
Then again, the same can be said of New York, we suppose. Injuries have marred the efficiency of the New York team on several occasions. But Jalen Brunson never let those affect him negatively. Game 5 saw him with a dominant 44-point performance to bring his team to the edge of their first EC Finals appearance since 2000.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Somewhat of a similar situation is amongst the Pacers, as well. This is their first playoff appearance since 2018-19. Also, a potential Conference finals appearance in 10 years. You understand what the stakes are, of course, as NYC visits Indianapolis at 8:30 PM ET tonight.
Who do you think will be the lucky team that gets to move one step closer to the promised land? Let us know in the comments below!