Latest news shows even more why Brunson's run was one for the ages.
Jalen Brunson’s historic NBA Finals performance helped deliver the New York Knicks their first championship in 53 years. Now, new details about what he played through during the postseason make his accomplishment even more impressive.
According to ESPN, Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist Tuesday after playing through the injury during New York’s championship run. The NBA Finals MVP is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer.
Despite dealing with the injury, Brunson delivered one of the greatest playoff performances in Knicks history.
Brunson Burner Finals Run
The All-Star guard averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals during the NBA Finals as New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to capture its first title since 1973.
Brunson saved his best performance for the biggest moment. In the championship-clinching Game 5 victory, the left-handed guard scored a Knicks Finals-record 45 points in a 94-90 win. He accounted for 48% of New York’s total scoring, including 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Knicks held off San Antonio.
The performance capped off a remarkable postseason run in which Brunson consistently carried the offense.
After averaging 26 points and 6.8 assists during the regular season, Brunson became just the 13th player in the modern playoff era since 1984 to average at least 28 points per game for a championship team. He finished the playoffs averaging 28.4 points per contest.
Brunson also delivered in crucial moments throughout New York’s title run. He recorded 38 clutch points during the postseason, while the rest of his teammates combined for 35.
The Knicks’ championship run was historic beyond Brunson’s individual numbers. New York finished the postseason with a 16-3 record, matching the 2024 Boston Celtics for the second-best playoff winning percentage since all rounds moved to a best-of-seven format in 2003. Only the 2017 Golden State Warriors had a better record at 16-1.
Jalen Brunson (M) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster ernie Johnson (L) during the championship trophy presentation after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Knicks Historic Finals
The Knicks also won 13 consecutive playoff games, second only to Golden State’s 15-game streak in 2017. They set postseason records with nine straight road victories and outscored opponents by 283 points during their championship run.
Since signing with New York on a four-year, $104 million contract in 2022, Brunson has transformed the Knicks into a championship contender. The 30-year-old guard has become the face of the franchise and one of the NBA’s premier playoff performers.
With surgery completed and a return expected later this summer, Brunson is positioned to enter next season healthy as New York begins its title defense.
After leading the Knicks to their first championship in over half a century while playing through a wrist injury, Brunson’s legendary postseason run has only become more remarkable.
