Mike Breen Places Jalen Brunson in Company With Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant

In addition to his role as the lead play-by-play man for ESPN/ABC, Mike Breen is the lead local announcer for the New York Knicks on MSG Network.

As such, Breen possesses a wealth of knowledge about the Knicks’ roster - including superstar point guard Jalen Brunson.

During a recent interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Breen shared some high praise for Brunson and his mental toughness.

“He has an iron will. He's not tall, he's not fast, he's not overly athletic. But he's one of the mentally strongest players I've ever been around. They talk about Michael Jordan, they talk about Kobe Bryant … in terms of mental toughness, I'd put him up there with anybody,” Breen said.

“He has a great basketball mind, and he always figures it out,” Breen continued. “He just figures out what the defense is doing and how to beat them. I love the humility that he has. When he has a bad game, he puts it behind him. When he has a good game, he puts it behind him, and he just goes on to the next game, just like he does every possession, he just goes on to the next possession. An iron will.”

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Brunson has been one of the best players in the 2026 postseason, averaging 26.9 points and 6.6 assists per game as the Knicks cruised their way to the NBA Finals. New York is on an 11-game win streak heading into Game 1 of the championship series, notching back-to-back series sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Brunson and the Knicks will now face off against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, starting with Game 1 on June 3.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 1:26 PM.