Jalen Brunson pointed to New York’s early struggles in Game 1 as the key focus ahead of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
Speaking on Wednesday, Brunson said the Knicks were tested in the opening stretch before responding late in the win. “They were playing great basketball. Had us on our heels. I’m just going to give them a lot of credit,” he said. “Obviously we played well in the fourth in overtime, but we got to come out ready to go.”
He stressed that the biggest issue came during the middle phases of the game rather than the finish. “It was the middle second and third quarter where we let go of the rope. So that’s our biggest takeaway,” Brunson said.
The Knicks guard also reflected on the chaotic finish to Game 1, including New York’s late comeback from 22 points down. “Honestly it was all kind of a blur. I don’t remember what I was truly thinking at the time,” he said. “I just remember that we were fighting back, putting ourselves in position to win the game.”
Brunson highlighted the importance of collective execution in winning situations. “Just being able to go out there and have the trust in my teammates I think is the most important thing,” he said. “Shots started to fall and get back into a rhythm.”
He added that momentum and environment played a role in the turnaround. “The fourth ball was going in. I think we had great momentum. Our fans kept us in it. So credit to all of them,” Brunson said.
Brunson’s late-game production included 15 points in the fourth quarter and a stretch of 11 straight points, but he credited teammates for key contributions in the final minutes. “Fantastic,” he said when asked about Malik’s clutch shooting. “It’s great to have guys like that that you’ve known for a long time be in those positions with you.”
He also underlined the importance of readiness across the roster. “Just stay ready like that,” Brunson said when discussing Landry Shamet’s impact after limited minutes earlier in the game. “He’s always working on his craft… whenever his number is called, he’s always ready.”
Despite the dramatic win, Brunson noted that improvement is still required. “I think you can still learn from a win as well,” he said. “There’s clearly things we need to work on to be better and not be in the position we were in.”
Looking ahead to Game 2, Brunson expects Cleveland to respond with urgency. “We know that they’re going to be ready to go,” he said. “Being able to steal one at home after the way they played throughout most of that game, we know that they’re definitely going to be ready to go.”
