Walt Frazier anoints Jalen Brunson as next Knicks superstar to carry the torch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as your preferred source by clicking here.
After 27 years, the New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals. Back then, it was an amazing run because the Knicks were ranked eighth and reached the NBA’s biggest stage. This time, it’s no surprise because the Knicks have won 11 straight games en route to the Finals.
The Knicks have a talented roster, but Jalen Brunson is the head of the snake. Everyone recognizes him as the star player, including past Knicks superstars like Patrick Ewing and Walt. "Clyde" Frazier.
Jalen Brunson anointed as Knicks’ main man
Brunson and the Knicks pulled off a dominant sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It has been one of the most impressive streaks in recent postseason history because the Knicks have won 11 consecutive games in the Playoffs.
After falling behind 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks haven’t looked back since. Brunson has been the catalyst for their success because he is their leader in the locker room and he is also doing it on the court with his consistent excellence.
FURTHER:The Knicks took a $113 million chance on Jalen Brunson and changed the franchise forever.
It’s a new era of Knicks basketball, and they have a star to credit for it: Brunson. He rightly earned the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, awarded to him by Ewing and Frazier.
This was a special moment for Brunson because it showed that the superstars of the past also believed in him. That’s a great moment to remember as the Knicks advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
"It’s been a long time. Continuing the tradition, passing it on to Jalen. He is the one who now has to bear it. You have to take advantage when you get there, so we’ll stick with it." Clyde said after the Knicks’ sweep of the Cavs.
Now, the Knicks are in the Finals with a chance to win a trophy they haven’t won in 53 years. They already have an NBA Cup under their belt this season; This could be the cherry on top of one of the best seasons in franchise history.
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