Over the last few seasons, the New York Knicks have enjoyed one of the best prolonged stretches of success in their franchise history and the catalyst of that has been star point guard Jalen Brunson. Ever since signing with the Knicks in 2022, Brunson has catapulted himself into superstardom and now has them on the brink of their first NBA Championship since 1973.
One thing that has continually stood out with Brunson is his performance in clutch situations, something that many have compared to that of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. And Brunson admitted that, even though he hasn’t necessarily watched Bryant highlights as of late, he definitely feels connected to him and his Mamba Mentality.
“I haven’t watched anything recently,” Brunson said ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals. “I think the way I carry myself and the way I do things is a credit to how I was raised by my parents. But also part of the philosophy seeps into the Mamba Mentality as well, so there’s a connectivity there. I just do my best to stay present in the moment. To do the things that I can. To make sure my mind is right. Being mentally and physically ready every day. Trusting my work. That’s what’s got me here. So there’s connectivity about it, but no I have not watched.”
The Mamba Mentality is about putting in the necessary work and stopping at nothing to ensure that you get the most out of yourself in whatever situation you’re in. And Brunson has undoubtedly embodied that spirit, being basically unguardable and constantly coming through when his team needs it the most, in the highest-pressure situations possible time and time again.
Most didn’t think Brunson could be this good and lead a team, primarily due to his lack of height, hence why he was a second-round draft pick in 2018. But Brunson has unleashed that inner beast, just as Bryant did at the height of his playing career, and if he can bring the Knicks a championship he could become as synonymous with that franchise as Bryant is with the Lakers.
Knicks join 2001 Lakers in playoff history
Brunson is currently leading the Knicks on a truly historic playoff run and they now find themselves in company with one of the greatest teams of all-time, the 2001 Lakers. The Knicks have won eight consecutive road playoff games, tying the Lakers’ record for the most in a single postseason.
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