Sports

Jalen Brunson Maintains Strong Mentality While 1 Win Away From NBA Title

The New York Knicks are riding high following Wednesday night’s historic Game 4 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Led by a 36-point performance from superstar point guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks mounted the largest comeback in NBA Finals history - erasing a 29-point Spurs lead at Madison Square Garden.

With this improbable comeback win, the Knicks are now one win away from the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.

Despite the Knicks’ 3-1 lead over Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Brunson is maintaining the same mindset he and his teammates have possessed throughout the 2026 NBA playoffs.

“0-0,” Brunson replied when asked if he feels one step away from an NBA title.

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Brunson and his teammates held this same “0-0” mentality through their back-to-back series sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks have consistently reiterated this mindset throughout their historic playoff run, which included a 13-game win streak.

Brunson is averaging just under 30 points per game through the NBA Finals so far. He got some serious help from OG Anunoby in Game 4 as the veteran forward recorded a playoff career-high 33 points on 10/15 shooting from the field and 7/9 shooting from behind the 3-point arc.

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Anunoby also converted on a game-winning bucket with just over one second remaining in the game, crashing the glass for a tip-in on Brunson’s missed three-point attempt.

Game 5 of the NBA Finals will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 3:35 PM.

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