Catch You Off-Guard: Jalen Brunson’s Superpower

The court at Madison Square Garden is seen prepared for the New York Knicks. (With Paul/Unsplash)

How the Knicks star guard keeps his opponents guessing while he keeps finding ways to win.

Article by Alex Zimmerman, Chief Sports Anchor

NEW YORK - Predictably unpredictable. Relentlessly annoying to defenders. Jalen Brunson’s shifty, elusive  and disciplined play is unsurprising to basketball fans who have tuned into his evolution since  high school, or his championship years at Villanova. To his opponents, they too know how  effortlessly aggressive and impactful his offensive play is, because he’s consistent. Discipline is  one of the threads in the tapestry of his game, as he approaches the game pragmatically. He’s  like a chess player, strategically selecting the best plan of attack on each play while finding  ways to catch his opponents in contrast to how he feels: off-guard.  

Practicing off-balance has been one of the key principles in his training and development in  college and into the NBA, citing his time at Villanova under Coach Jay Wright as a turning point in  his game. He polished his ability to play off two feet as a Wildcat, with footwork drills a non negotiable that became a clear factor in their 2 national championships wins in 4 years. He has an arsenal of moves, decision patterns, and gears he can choose from in the blink of an  eye - but it’s his disciplined execution at speed that leaves defenders in the dust.  

Brunson’s story resonates deeply with New York fans deeply: hard work, grind mentality,  overlooked backstory. His history forges a unique relatability with New York fans who are ready  to see the Knicks back at The Garden for the NBA Finals.

Tonight, Jalen and the Knicks look to make franchise history in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals with a series sweep over the Cavaliers to reach their first NBA Finals since  1999.