Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague believes New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson cost them the first two losses in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, saying he's been holding the ball too long and not getting others involved.
The New York Knicks appear to have stabilized their situation in the Eastern Conference Finals after pulling out a 106-100 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3, following losses in the first two games.
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson
MIN: 35.95
PTS: 26.73 (57.33%)
REB: 3
As: 7.3
ST: 0.83
BL: 0.14
TO: 2.6
GM: 80
Every game in the series has been tightly contested, with all three decided by six points or fewer. Despite the Knicks' latest win, the Pacers still hold the upper hand, having stolen home-court advantage by winning the first two games at Madison Square Garden.
Former NBA All-Star and champion Jeff Teague weighed in on why he believes the Knicks dropped the first two games, speaking on the Club520 Podcast.
Teague pointed the finger at Knicks star Jalen Brunson, criticizing his ball-dominant style and lack of playmaking for teammates.
"You know how the Knicks lose these games? The shot clock is 24 seconds and Jalen Brunson is holding that b*tch for 17," Teague said.
Brunson has averaged 34.0 points and 5.7 assists per game in the series so far. Ironically, the Knicks’ only win came in his lowest-scoring outing in Game 3, when he finished with 23 points. That could hint at a potential shift in strategy for New York as the series progresses.
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