With Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals approaching, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson emphasized the importance of team chemistry and defensive consistency in their push to even the series against the Indiana Pacers.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Brunson reflected on how the team has grown closer over the course of the season.
“It’s definitely an ongoing process,” Brunson said when asked about understanding his teammates. “The way I’ve been able to connect with these guys on a daily basis definitely helps. When we’re able to push each other out of our comfort zones, that’s when it takes another step.”
New York trails the best-of-seven series 2–1 after rallying from a 16-point second-half deficit in Game 3, powered by a fourth-quarter surge from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Brunson, who scored 23 points in the win, dismissed criticism of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s in-game decisions, including changes to the starting lineup.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s definitely unfair,” Brunson said. “But it’s all about what we think, what we do, and trusting our journey. We’re always going to have each other’s backs.”
Thibodeau has yet to reach the NBA Finals as a head coach despite over a decade of playoff experience. When asked about what a Finals berth would mean to Thibodeau, Brunson said the veteran coach remains focused on the immediate task.
“He’s just thinking about what we can do to be better in Game 4,” Brunson said. “Watching this man work tirelessly day in and day out—it would mean a lot.”
Brunson credited the Knicks’ defensive energy as a turning point in the second half of Game 3, noting the team’s ability to recover from breakdowns and contest shots.
“Even if breakdowns happened, we recovered and flew around,” he said. “That’s definitely key to making things more difficult for them.”
Indiana shot just 20% from three-point range and committed 12 turnovers in the loss. The Knicks limited the Pacers to just 45 second-half points.
As for how New York has been so effective on the road—now 6-1 in the postseason—Brunson said it comes down to reducing mistakes and controlling transition play.
“Just give my team more opportunities to shoot instead of turning it over,” he said. “We’ve got to contest as many shots as possible.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
