Gary Payton's Praise Highlights Jalen Brunson's Rise During Knicks Finals Run

Jalen Brunson’s remarkable postseason run continues to earn recognition from across the basketball world. As the New York Knicks pursue their first NBA championship in more than five decades, their star guard has emerged as one of the driving forces behind the franchise’s resurgence.

His latest performance came in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, where Brunson delivered another clutch outing to help New York secure a 105-95 victory. The win gave the Knicks an early advantage in the series and reinforced Brunson’s growing reputation as one of the league’s elite playoff performers.

Among those taking notice is NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton. The former champion and nine-time All-Star recently shared his thoughts on Brunson’s standing among today’s stars, offering high praise for the Knicks leader while acknowledging only a select few players he would choose ahead of him.

Payton’s comments reflect a broader shift in how Brunson is viewed around the league. Once considered an underrated contributor, the veteran guard is now being discussed alongside some of basketball’s biggest names as he continues to lead New York on its championship quest.

1. Payton Places Brunson Among the Elite

During an appearance on the “Game Over” podcast, Payton was asked about Brunson’s place among the NBA’s top players. His answer demonstrated just how highly he regards the Knicks guard. The Hall of Famer named only two current players he would select ahead of Brunson: Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and Minnesota Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards. Considering the depth of talent throughout today’s NBA, the endorsement represented significant recognition for Brunson’s accomplishments. Payton explained that Curry’s shooting ability and offensive impact remain unmatched. Even as one of the league’s most accomplished veterans, Curry continues to alter games with his movement, shot-making, and ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Edwards earned Payton’s admiration for a different reason. The former defensive star highlighted Edwards’ athleticism and versatility, noting his ability to impact games in a variety of ways. Even with those acknowledgments, Brunson’s inclusion immediately behind those two players underscored how much respect he has earned.

2. Brunson Overcomes Adversity in Game 1

Payton’s praise was strengthened by what he witnessed during the Finals opener. Brunson’s performance against San Antonio was impressive not only because of his production but also because of the challenges he faced throughout the contest. Early in the game, concerns emerged when Brunson appeared to suffer a knee issue and briefly headed to the locker room. For a Knicks team that relies heavily on his leadership and scoring, the moment created understandable anxiety. Later, Brunson appeared to tweak his ankle, once again raising questions about his health. Despite the physical setbacks, he remained in the game and continued to attack aggressively whenever New York needed a spark. His resilience became one of the defining stories of the night. Rather than allowing the injuries to affect his performance, Brunson elevated his play during critical stretches and helped guide the Knicks through one of the toughest moments of the game.

3. Leadership Fuels Knicks’ Championship Hopes

The Knicks found themselves trailing by as many as 14 points during the contest, but Brunson never allowed the deficit to dictate the team’s mindset. His confidence and poise helped steady New York as it worked its way back into the game. Using a combination of pull-up jumpers, drives to the basket, and timely shot-making, Brunson consistently pressured the Spurs’ defense. His ability to create offense in crucial moments became increasingly important as the game entered its final stages. The defining sequence came late in the fourth quarter when Brunson helped ignite an 11-0 closing run that effectively sealed the victory. His clutch scoring and decision-making once again demonstrated why he has become one of the NBA’s most dependable postseason performers. If the Knicks complete their championship pursuit, Brunson’s standing among the league’s stars will likely rise even further. A title would strengthen his legacy in New York and potentially place him in even greater conversations alongside many of the game’s most celebrated players, including those Payton currently ranks ahead of him.