Jalen Brunson channels Kobe Bryant with Knicks…
There is a well-liked meme of Kobe Bryant from the 2009 NBA Finals.
In a news convention, despite the Lakers forward 2-0 in the collection, he was requested why he wasn’t smiling.
“What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished,” he famously replied. “Job finished? I don’t think so.”
Jalen Brunson recreated that second Sunday, as the Knicks ready for Monday evening’s Game 3 at the Garden up 2-0.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks to reporters after observe forward of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 7, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / NY Post
“In my mind there’s nothing really to celebrate yet,” the Knicks captain said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Brunson has had full focus throughout the postseason. When the Knicks clinched a spot in the Finals for the first time in 27 years, a video was posted of the workforce celebrating in the locker room. Brunson was sitting on his own, a look of dedication on his face instead of pleasure. He has refused to take promotional pictures with the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Asked about the thrill in the town, as the Knicks look to clinch their first title in 53 years, Brunson said he has refused to soak it in. He’s repeatedly told reporters he would look back at what this workforce achieved when it’s over. Not a second sooner.
“I do my best to stay present in the moment, to do the things I can to make sure my mind is right,” said Brunson, the first participant in NBA historical past to rating the game-winning factors in the ultimate two minutes of consecutive Finals video games. “Being mentally and physically ready every day. Trusting my work. That’s what’s gotten me here.”
Kobe Bryant speaks to reporters after the Lakers’ Game 2 win in the 2009 NBA Finals. Getty Images
When Game 2’s wild ending was introduced up, Brunson appeared at the glass half-empty. Yes, he was comfortable the Knicks have been ready to rally after blowing a 14-point benefit, but he was also involved with what led to them dropping that lead.
“We do need to be able to finish the game better,” he said. “Unacceptable the way we just obviously let that 14-point lead go the way we did.”
Clearly, Brunson is taking after Bryant. The only time to have a good time is when the final word objective is achieved.
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