Knicks' Jalen Brunson Plays More Defense on Celebration Explanation

The Cleveland Cavaliers weren't the only ones to experience Jalen Brunson's defense on Sunday afternoon, as the New York Knicks' point guard refused to explain his trademark celebration.

Secrets, secrets are no fun ... unless you're a New York Knick.

Jalen Brunson and his teammates had plenty of opportunities to showcase a secretive new celebration on Sunday afternoon, which featured a 102-93 playoff victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Behind a game-best 29 points from Brunson, the Knicks now own a 3-1 series lead in their opening round best-of-seven set, closing in on their first postseason advancement since 2013. 

Brunson once again lived up to a highly-publicized $104 million contract in the win, as most of his point total came from sinking five of the Knicks' eight three-points. Each was heralded by a gesture from Brunson where he put his hand to his mouth and wagged three fingers. It has appeared through the first four games of the series but Brunson's teammates began to get in on the fun as their third victory appeared more assured. 

The celebration caused confusion amongst ABC's broadcast crew of Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Van Gundy, who openly wondered about the origins and meaning of Brunson's jubilation. Sideline reporter Lisa Salters went right to the source after the game, but Brunson had one more display of defense to cap off the win.

"Don't worry about it," Brunson replied with a smirk when queried by Salters, who interviewed Brunson alongside teammate RJ Barrett, he of 26 points in the win. 

Ending the afternoon with one more defensive display was perfectly on brand for Brunson and the Knicks, who have held Cleveland under 100 points in each of their three victories. The futility was best personified by the struggles of Donovan Mitchell, who tallied only two points in the second half. 

The Knicks will have their first opportunity to close the series on Wednesday night when the series returns to Cleveland (7 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV). 

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New YoGeoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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