Isiah Thomas, a Hall of Fame point guard and two-time NBA champion, has never been shy about defending smaller players. So when Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a title on Saturday night, Thomas made sure to give him a shoutout.
"Jalen Brunson thank you!!! Don't run away from 'small' guards! You can win with them too. Just gotta believe and give em a real opportunity," Thomas wrote on X.
Brunson's performance in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs was nothing short of heroic. The Knicks trailed by double digits in the second half before rallying to win by four points, silencing Victor Wembanyama and company. It was a statement win for a team that has embraced its undersized leader.
The victory cements Brunson's place among the elite small guards who have led their teams to championships—a list that includes Thomas, Jerry West, and Stephen Curry. It's a rare fraternity, but Brunson now belongs.
Yahoo! Sports recently ranked Brunson as the fourth-best Knick of all time, noting that longevity and not being drafted by the team hold him back from the top spot. Still, they wrote: "It's hard to imagine a better four-year run than what we've seen from the Brunson Burner. His 39-22 playoff record as a Knick is elite, even better than Ewing's four-year peak—and he has a title to boot."
Brunson's journey has been anything but easy. He faced skepticism about his size throughout his career, but he has consistently silenced doubters. Magic Johnson also defended Brunson against size critics, calling him a winner. And after the Knicks' historic Game 4 comeback, Draymond Green apologized to Brunson, admitting he had underestimated him.
Thomas's message is a reminder that basketball is about heart, not height. Brunson's success is a testament to skill, determination, and the willingness to give smaller players a real chance. As Thomas said, "You can win with them too."
The Knicks' title run has been filled with dramatic moments, including a 2015 tweet from Brunson that became prophetic ahead of Game 5. Now, with the championship secured, Brunson's legacy is secure. He's not just a great Knick—he's a champion.
