Jalen Brunson delivered another efficient postseason performance Monday night, but the New York Knicks guard made it clear the team is not satisfied despite a dominant 137-98 Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I hope not,” Brunson said when asked if the Knicks are peaking after four straight blowout wins.
The All-Star finished with 35 points on 12-of-18 shooting, scoring 27 in the first half as New York built a 23-point halftime lead at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks have now won four consecutive playoff games by a combined 135 points, but Brunson pointed to internal improvements rather than results. “I just feel like our focus has been better,” he said. “Our attention to detail has been better.”
Those details showed in execution, as New York shot 63% from the field and assisted on 34 of 53 baskets.
“I think those two are very important for us,” Brunson said. “We got to continue to do so… those attention to detail things are going to help us in the close ones as well.”
Brunson’s rhythm came early, especially in pick-and-roll actions involving Joel Embiid. “I think most importantly, the ball was going in and I got a rhythm,” he said.
He credited teammates for creating space and structure. “My teammates did a good job of setting screens and getting me open,” Brunson said. “Regardless of what they do, it’s important for us to do what we do at a high rate.”
The Knicks’ offensive flow has become more consistent, particularly in adjusting to defensive switches. “Practice and trial and error,” Brunson said. “It’s a read, it’s a feel thing… once we get into the right positions, I think we know how to read each other.”
Mikal Bridges’ recent form has added another layer to the offense, and Brunson emphasized the importance of his consistency. “He’s a huge factor for us and he’s been playing great,” he said.
Brunson highlighted Bridges’ approach during difficult stretches. “He stays mentally strong. He stays mentally focused, comes in to work, does his routine,” he said. “As long as you keep chipping away, things are going to fall in your favor.”
OG Anunoby’s shooting surge has also shifted defensive coverages, with Brunson noting his overall impact. “The way he’s been able to create space, the way he’s been attacking… he’s just playing real aggressive,” Brunson said. “He’s creating havoc and he’s making good decisions.”
Despite holding Tyrese Maxey to 13 points and limiting Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm, Brunson cautioned against overconfidence. “Honestly you got to take this game with a grain of salt and just move forward,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re going to see that team that we saw in Game 1 and Game 2. They’re going to be ready to go.”
The Knicks’ cohesion has improved through shared minutes and late-season adjustments. “That’s why you play a season,” Brunson said. “You go through the ups and downs… you find things to make you the best team as possible by the end of the year.”
He reinforced the team’s long-term approach. “There’s never a time where you look back and say, ‘All right, we’re good now,’” Brunson said. “That’s not the case at all.”
Game 2 is set for Wednesday in New York before the series shifts to Philadelphia.
