EXCITING NEWS: Jalen Brunson could break stunning Michael Jordan record against Cavs game
Eastern Conference Playoff Contenders
Paul Good, Man; Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Brushes Off Chris Paul Rejection
New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson brushed off the idea of a feud with Golden State Warriors star Chris Paul after a supposedly heated confrontation during Thursday’s showdown.
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI1 HOUR AGO
In this story:
New York Knicks
NEW YORK KNICKS
Former Villanova Wildcat Jalen Brunson scratched out the idea of a feud with fellow NBA backcourt star Chris Paul.
The New York Knicks point guard went somewhat viral during the team’s latest loss, a 110-99 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Toward the end of the third period, Paul took down Brunson in a futile attempt to steal an inbound pass headed the latter way. Like a good neighbor, the apologetic former State Farm pitchman was there and offered a hand up, but Brunson rejected the assistance and more or less told Paul to move along.
Brunson, scorer of a Knicks-best 27 points in the 110-99 loss, shot down the idea of a lasting rivalry with Paul in a weekend interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Screenshot 2024-03-03 13.13.52
Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS
“It’s all love before the game. I said ‘Hi’ to him before the game. I said ‘Hi’ after the game,” Brunson said. “But during the game, I mean, if I get knocked down, I prefer my teammates to help me up, no matter what the situation is. So when he came to pick me up, I was just like, ‘Nah, I can’t right now’ and that’s all I said.”
True to his word, Brunson eventually accepted assistance from Bojan Bogdanovic, who helped escort the point guard back to the bench as the Knicks sought solutions for an 80-70 deficit at the end of the third.
Brunson labeled Paul an old family and said he continues to hold “the utmost respect” for the 12-time All-Star. Thursday marked Paul’s second game back from a lengthy medical absence and he tallied 11 points, six assists, and three steals off the bench as Golden State won its 12th over its 15.
Warriors, Curry Bury Knicks With Skills Old and New
Read More
A rematch between the backcourt stars is slated for March 18 at Chase Center. In the meantime, Brunson and the Knicks (35-25) return to action on Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET, MSG/ESPN)