Jalen Brunson delivered another signature playoff performance Wednesday night, and it was enough to earn praise from one of his biggest skeptics.
Following the New York Knicks' 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal admitted he had questions about how Brunson would handle the championship stage before tipoff.
Instead, the Knicks star answered those concerns by leading New York to a comeback victory on the road and helping the franchise steal home-court advantage in the series.
Speaking during ESPN's postgame coverage, O'Neal acknowledged that Brunson exceeded his expectations against San Antonio's defensive pressure.
“They did it by effort, a lot of guys played well. Shoutout to Hart – 15 rebounds. KAT played well with 18 [points]… Brunson had his moment in the third quarter where he took over,” O'Neal said.
“I admit before the game, Game 1 is always a feel out game. I was anxious to see how he was going to do against those tough four defenders – he just showed me Kenny and Chuck that he’s ready for the lights. He’s ready for the big lights.”
"[Jalen Brunson] just showed me … that he's ready for the lights."
Shaquille O’Neal says that Brunson proved him wrong in the Knicks' Game 1 victory 🔥
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/N04m70X7sV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 4, 2026
Brunson finished with a game-high 30 points, three rebounds and two assists while shooting 12-for-31 from the field. Although he connected on just 2 of 9 attempts from 3-point range, he knocked down all four free throws and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, repeatedly generating offense when New York needed it most.
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Jalen Brunson leads comeback as Shaquille O'Neal praises Knicks' championship formula
The Knicks overcame a 14-point deficit to secure the win, continuing a remarkable postseason run that has placed them three victories away from their first NBA championship since 1973.
O'Neal also highlighted the collective effort that supported Brunson throughout the night.
“Third quarter and fourth quarter he carried a little bit but the others for the Knicks definitely stepped it up,” O'Neal said.
“Again, shoutout to Hart with 15 rebounds, Shamet hit some timely threes first half. They all played well. Alvarado. They did it by committee and that’s how you win championships, by committee.”
Josh Hart's rebounding and New York's depth proved critical as the Knicks weathered several Spurs runs throughout the game. Landry Shamet provided a spark off the bench, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points to help balance the offense.
The Knicks will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead when Game 2 tips off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The series will then shift to Madison Square Garden on Monday as New York continues its pursuit of a long-awaited championship.
Jalen Brunson delivered another signature playoff performance Wednesday night, and it was enough to earn praise from one of his biggest skeptics. Following the New York Knicks' 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal admitted he had questions about how Brunson would handle the championship stage before tipoff.