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Brunson, Father Rick Lead Knicks to First Finals

6/3/2026

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA Finals, their first appearance since 1999.
Brunson and his father Rick became the first father-son duo to reach the Finals with the same franchise.
He averaged 26.9 points per game in the postseason and ranks third on the Knicks’ playoff scoring list.
Since signing in 2022 for over $100 million, the Knicks have qualified for the playoffs each year.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 the New York Knicks became the NBA’s first #8 seed to reach the Finals, falling to the San Antonio Spurs after a lockout-shortened 50-game season. After years of rebuilding and the loss of Patrick Ewing, the franchise resurfaced under point guard Jalen Brunson—son of 1999 reserve Rick Brunson—earning a rematch with the Spurs in the 2026 Finals.

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Story summary

Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA Finals, their first appearance since 1999.
Brunson and his father Rick became the first father-son duo to reach the Finals with the same franchise.
He averaged 26.9 points per game in the postseason and ranks third on the Knicks’ playoff scoring list.
Since signing in 2022 for over $100 million, the Knicks have qualified for the playoffs each year.

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