Jalen Brunson’s biggest supporter is “beyond proud” of the Knicks and this memorable playoff run.
Hours after the season came to a heartbreaking end Saturday with a Game 6 loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Ali Bruson posted a heartfelt Instagram message to her husband, commemorating the Knicks on what’s been a special ride.
“Beyond proud of this team,” she wrote in an Instagram Story Sunday, “New York forever 🤍.”
Despite putting up 54 points in the first half, the Knicks cratered in the second, closing out the series with a 125-108 defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“There were stretches where we played very good defense and stretches where we didn’t,” coach Tom Thibodeau said postgame. “Once we dig into it and look at: Was it our defense, or was it our turnovers? Probably both.”
The Pacers will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals starting Thursday.
Brunson, who averaged 29.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and seven assists in the postseason, scored just 19 points on Saturday night with two rebounds and seven assists.
“It sucks man, simple as that,” he said. “It sucks.”
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Brunson, 28, has reached the playoffs in each of his three seasons in New York. This run marked the farthest he had gone with Thibodeau, whom he defended postgame in response to questions about the coach’s job security.
“Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy,” Brunson said. “Yes. Come on.”
Thibodeau, who has been at the helm since 2020, spoke about how the team can regroup this summer as they work toward the ultimate goal of a championship.
“I think the challenge for us is to look at it for what it is. We finished in the top three. But we’re falling short of the ultimate goal,” he said.
“For us, it’s to use that as motivation and determination to work all summer to prepare ourselves to make the final step to keep improving so we can achieve our goal. I think that’s the way we have to approach it and that’s the way we have to look at it.”
Despite the season concluding in heartbreak, this year has been a momentous one for Brunson and Ali.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jordyn, in July 2024.
The Brunsons have been married since 2023.
