The narrative for the 2023-24 NBA season is rapidly changing now. It’s not a change, as in everyone, or at least a majority, rooting for one particular team. There is equal apprehension and excitement for the three teams right now. The favorites for title contention from the beginning of the season – the Boston Celtics. And then there are those two unprecedented groups who barged in without so much as a ‘Hello’ – the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. Even the Denver Nuggets fans are getting worried sick with the way things have gone in the past two games. But for a certain rapper, Jalen Brunson and Co. are the champions.

Joining the Stephen A. Smith Show was none other than American legend and the de facto rapper, Snoop Dogg. He might be a hardcore Lakers fan, but the 52-year-old believes that Brunson has got the skills to take the team to the promised land. Snoop Dogg said that the Timberwolves might get past Cleveland even, but there was no way the Knicks would let them get to the Finals.

Stephen A. was incredulous at the claim! But then the Bigg Snoop Dogg pointed out something else. “I watched Steph Curry do the same thing. The same low point guard moving around, dipping and dodging, shakin’ and bakin’. They didn’t think he could do it. But he did.” 

Smith’s shocking wail of “To who?!” could very well have been the general outcry. Their situation naturally warrants skepticism – a trio of key players out for the season, Randle, Bogdanovic, and Robinson, and in the latest of the series, OG Anunoby, too. Although Anunoby’s hamstring strain saw him sidelined for Game 3, which they lost 106-111 at Gainbridge tonight, there is no positive or negative update on his return.

However, Snoop Dogg is adamant in his belief in the Knickerbockers. Yet, how much of that trust will be there if Jalen Brunson himself is out of the show?

Jalen Brunson has managed to battle his foot injury so far, but will it become New York’s Achilles heel at a crucial juncture?

The Knicks have certainly got the NBA world in a frenzy with their dogged determination and electric vibes. It has become all the more crazy given the banged-up and shorthanded state of the team right now. While the three players who are sidelined for the season are key contributors, nothing beats Brunson’s drive and tenacity.

The first-time All-Star was single-handedly responsible for turning their season around, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the East and with the fifth-best win-loss record in the league this season. In fact, tonight’s Knicks loss saw Brunson join the ranks of basketball legends.

He became the third player to post 300+ points and 70+ assists in the first nine games of the playoffs. The only two others to have done this – Michael Jordan in 1989 and LeBron James in 2018. And now, Jalen Brunson in 2024!

So, yes, the Villanova product is the crux of New York’s success. And he’s been fighting his right foot injury as best as he can. Game 2 saw him absent for the entire second quarter. The energy that the Knicks have should be enough to get them past the Pacers, barring any new surprises. Anunoby is still on rocky ground. If Brunson were to join the injury list, well, we don’t have to tell you the outcome.

Nevertheless, if we were to take Snoop Dogg at his word, the New York Knicks are on an express highway to the Finals. Until Jalen Brunson falls out of the equation, we wholeheartedly agree with him.