'I Belong Here!' Knicks' Jalen Brunson On Silencing His Toughest Critic
Only in New York could $104 million ever look like a bargain.
Less than two seasons into a four-year term, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has lived up to, and perhaps exceeded, every expectation that the nine-figure contract placed upon him. For the time being, Brunson's efforts have been rewarded with an invitation to the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
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The Villanova alum's exhibition debut has yielded an invite to Rockefeller Center, as Brunson was a guest on the Friday edition of "The Tonight Show." Host Jimmy Fallon afforded the point guard a trip down memory lane, namely one where he and the audience enjoyed a laugh at the expense of prognosticators who were wary about his large contract. Those headlines have since shifted to regaling Brunson with some even calling for him to be included on the MVP shortlist.
"I feel like that's what people on the outside will think, oh he's proving everyone wrong ... (But) for me, I like to say that I've proven to myself that I belong. Like I belong here, I've worked this hard to get here," Brunson said in a response that drew cheers from Fallon's studio audience. "While I am proving people wrong, I'm just like, I worked this hard to be here, so I've got to keep that mindset, keep that confidence, make sure that doesn't waiver in any way."
Brunson's entry, one that yielded 47 wins and the Knicks' first postseason advancement since 2013, was exciting enough but hope has reached a boiling point the second time around. Entering Saturday night play, Brunson is averaging career-best in scoring (27.2 per game) and assists (6.5 assists) and is set to serve as the headliner of the Knicks' upcoming playoff push.
The humble Brunson could only nod sheepishly as Fallon read off the revamped headlines. While he was pleased to, as Fallon put it, "prove everyone wrong," Brunson believes he has swayed his harshest critic: No. 11.
Brunson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury for the Knicks' next game, as they're set to host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
