Against the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks have relied on Jalen Brunson to much success. He is averaging a stellar 28 points and 7.8 assists on 41.2 percent shooting from the floor, and has easily been the best player in the series, including Jayson Tatum before he went down with injury.
Putting the Knicks on his back is nothing new for Brunson, who won the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.
However, one expert thinks he is already among legendary company.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11)
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11)
John Jones-Imagn Images
"Jalen Brunson, let's just be honest, he is like the new Jerry West, he is Mr. Clutch," declared Colin Cowherd.
"Is there any small player in this league you trust more with the ball than Jalen Brunson? I'm including Steph. He has been, and I've said this for the last two years, the best quarterback New York has. New York is making Boston look fragmented, disorganized, poorly coached, confused, and passive. The Knicks are going to win this series. They're the better team. They're better coached. They're more relentless. If you've never watched basketball, and you tune into that game, and I said, 'Find the champion,' it looks like the Knicks."
As the heart and soul of the Knicks, Brunson gets all the credit in the world for their bid to win their first NBA title since 1973. Comparing him to a larger-than-life figure like Jerry West might be a bit of a stretch, but the way he can impact the game without eye-popping athleticism can't be ignored.
Even against an injured Celtics team, the Knicks look the part of a contender, and they could make their first Finals appearance of the 21st century on the back of "Mr. Clutch."
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