After decades of mediocrity, the New York Knicks are finally shaping into consistency. The 2020s have brought some optimism with them. Over the last 3 seasons, the Knicks have been to the playoffs twice and even won a playoff series. Moreover, their future as a perennial playoff lock looks to be unwavering. But, this dramatic change is the cause of one man in particular. What was once thought of as an overpay has quickly become one of the best contracts in the league and Kendrick Perkins is taking notice.

After a dramatic comeback victory over the Miami Heat, Kendrick Perkins was all praises for the budding NY superstar.

Kendrick Perkins impressed with young Knicks superstar

Despite their playoff appearance in 2020, the Knicks’ success felt unsustainable. However, the addition of a premier decision maker in Jalen Brunson has brought a change to the conversation. Expectations are as high as they’ve ever been in New York in the last decade.

Their latest matchup against the Miami Heat was a prime example of Brunson’s superstar poise. While Miami was cruising to victory, this resilient Knicks team wasn’t going down without a fight. Opening the 4th quarter with a 17-0 run, Brunson was essential in their comeback.

A clutch jumper with less than 90 seconds on the clock gave New York a 3-point lead after being down as much as 21. A free throw to ice the game, and a miss on the ensuing Jimmy Butler three-pointer gave the team a 100-98 victory against the undefeated Miami team in the In-Season Tournament.

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Looking at the show on display, Big Perk had to give Brunson his flowers. “We can debate all day if Brunson is Number 1 or Number 2 on a Contender team? but I do know this! He?s a damn Hooper and a Winner!!! The Knicks stood on Business tonight. Carry the hell on?”?

And all of it – due to one fan.

Jalen Brunson’s inspiration

The rallying fire by the Knicks came as a result of one fan’s comment to Brunson.

During the post-game press conference, the point guard told reporters the story. When the team was down by as much as 21 points, a fan made all the difference. Looking Brunson dead in the eye, he said, “This is embarrassing.”

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For the 27-year-old and the rest of the locker room, that was motivation enough. What followed was a mesmerizing display of basketball, as the team dug itself out of a huge hole to come away with the victory.

With 8 points in the final 3 minutes itself, Jalen Brunson made sure that New York did not go home without a smile.