New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) runs up the court during the first half of game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
On “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z said he was paying Dwyane Wade since Jeezy was paying LeBron James. But really, regardless of the hidden code in the lyrics (IYKYK), Jay-Z should have been paying Jalen Brunson.
Brunson led the New York Knicks to a magical run in last season's playoffs, culminating in winning the championship against the San Antonio Spurs to end a 53-year drought. The Knicks also avenged their defeat to the Spurs in the NBA Finals in 1999.
After initially struggling, New York closed out the Atlanta Hawks with a 51-point beatdown in Game 6 in the first round. Brunson and company gained steam, sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals. They then took care of business against the Spurs in five games.
On X, the Knicks flexed their unforgettable run anew.
“+283, the largest point differential in playoff history,” read the post.
It quickly went viral, as fans echoed the wild feat.
“I'm not afraid to say it, the Knicks’ championship run was the greatest run in the history of the NBA,” said @mister_eddiee.
“Still feels like a dream. So many years of suffering. What a season,” added @MohammadSalhut.
“And lost three games by a total of only six points,” noted @malwaves.
“It's crazy what this team did in the last playoffs. I still can't believe it,” stated @danitejedor8.
“Not the greatest team or greatest season, but definitely the greatest playoff run to a championship,” claimed @NEWYORKBEN1963.
Just to add—as if it will be forgotten—the Knicks also engineered the biggest comeback in the history of the NBA Finals, climbing back from a 29-point deficit in Game 4, highlighted by OG Anunoby's miraculous tip-in.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet also played big in their postseason run.
As for Brunson, he cemented his legacy in the concrete jungle with heroic play after heroic play. He averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists against the Spurs and was named Finals MVP.
The Knicks will open their title defense against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20.