In just two seasons, Jalen Brunson has become the most important part of the New York Knicks. He has transformed into the team leader that the Knicks have needed for so long and now the team is on the verge of having a strong run in the upcoming playoffs.
A lot of pressure comes with such responsibility and leadership but Brunson says he isn't feeling it. He recently spoke of the pressure surrounding him these days and he sounded unbothered by it all.
“There’s no pressure for me, personally but I definitely feel the energy no matter where you are in New York,” Brunson said. “As soon as you’re in the Garden you feel the energy. Go into a restaurant and someone sees you and gets excited...when it comes to pressure, I mean there are high stakes but for me, it’s not pressure because we worked really hard for situations like this.”
New York has wanted a strong Knicks team for years and they are finally getting a taste of what they've yearned for for so long.
The Knicks are the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference right now, with a 37-26 record. Brunson, Julius Randle, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and other players have seemingly turned this team into real playoff contenders.
New York fans are known for their loyalty and insistence on sharing their opinions. They either love someone or hate the and they let them know no matter what.
All of that could have a negative impact on Brunson and maybe get in his head and make him doubt himself. But he says that isn't the case. Instead, he is excited to give the city and fans of the team what they have been dreaming of.