For years, the knock on Jalen Brunson has been the same: at 6-foot-2, is he too small to carry a team? But when you ask NBA legend Magic Johnson, the question itself is laughable. The Hall of Famer made his feelings crystal clear during a recent appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, and he didn't hold back.
“You hear me start laughing?” Johnson said when asked about Brunson’s size. “You know why? The man is a winner. He won in high school, won at Villanova. This is the guy you want on your team in those moments, in the situation where it’s tough, because he will figure it out. He’s so intelligent, and he’s tough physically and mentally.”
Johnson’s endorsement carries weight. As a 6-foot-9 point guard who redefined the position, he knows a thing or two about overcoming expectations. But for Brunson, the praise is about more than just height—it’s about heart. “I love Jalen Brunson, what he stands for, what he’s capable of in the biggest moments,” Johnson added. “He’s been doing it his whole career.”
From Underdog to New York Hero
Brunson’s journey to the NBA Finals has been nothing short of spectacular. After signing with the Knicks in 2022, he quickly became the engine of a team that had been searching for a leader for decades. This postseason, he rewrote the record books, delivering one clutch performance after another. In the conference finals, he averaged over 30 points per game, silencing critics who doubted whether his game would translate to the highest level.
In the Finals, he’s faced a tougher defensive gauntlet, but he’s still managed to drop 30 points three times. Game 4 at Madison Square Garden was his masterpiece: 36 points, including the pass that set up OG Anunoby’s go-ahead bucket, capping the biggest comeback in Finals history. It was a moment that will live forever in New York lore.
That epic rally was fueled by raw emotion. After the game, Brunson revealed he had learned of a close friend’s death just before tip-off—a gut-wrenching revelation that added even more weight to his performance.
More Than MVP
While Brunson is unlikely to win Finals MVP—the odds favor a Spurs star—his impact on the Knicks and the city of New York is already legendary. He’s not just a player; he’s a symbol of resilience. Even Draymond Green had to eat humble pie after questioning Brunson’s ability to lead, apologizing publicly following the Game 4 heroics.
For Knicks fans, Brunson has earned a place alongside the city’s all-time greats. If he keeps this up, he could one day be mentioned in the same breath as Derek Jeter or Lawrence Taylor—a legacy that goes far beyond any individual trophy.
Magic Johnson’s take is simple: stop worrying about the height and start appreciating the greatness. Jalen Brunson is the real deal, and he’s proving it on the biggest stage.
