CLEVELAND — Four years later, nobody is questioning that $104 million contract the Knicks gave to Jalen Brunson.
Looking back now, it was a bargain.
Brunson has the Larry Bird Trophy, given to the MVP of the Eastern Conference finals, as proof.
In his fourth postseason as a Knick, Brunson led the franchise back to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, capped by their emphatic series sweep of the Cavaliers on Monday night.
“The belief that the organization has in me has been amazing, and something I don’t take for granted, and something not a lot of people get the opportunity to do,” Brunson said after notching 15 points and five assists in the 130-93 clincher over the Cavaliers in Game 4. “So I’m very thankful. It’s an honor to be here in this city for this organization with my teammates.”
Brunson set the tone in the series opener, exploding for 38 points and rallying the Knicks from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit. Overall, he averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists in the sweep.
Brunson has changed so much for the Knicks during a short period. In the 21 years before his arrival, they won just a single playoff series. Since his arrival, they have claimed seven and will pursue their first championship since 1973 starting next week, against either the Spurs or Thunder.
Before the game, coach Mike Brown was asked if Brunson’s leadership reminds him of anyone he had coached, and he didn’t hesitate: Tim Duncan and Stephen Curry.
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“The aura that those guys have, the quiet strength that they have, is unbelievable,” Brown said.
High praise for the Knicks captain — praise he has earned since he joined the franchise four years ago this summer.
