It’s probably really hard to feel this way after losing a Game 7 at home, but this season legitimately was successful for the New York Knicks. They had their best regular-season record in a decade-plus. Perhaps more importantly, they were on the verge of an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals despite a rash of injuries to several key players up and down the roster.
Jalen Brunson was one of those hurt players. He suffered a fractured hand during the Knicks’ 130-109 Game 7 defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. When asked if he thought the Knicks’ season was a success, given all the adversity they overcame, Brunson kept it simple.
He was (understandably) NOT happy:
Jalen Brunson with a one-word answer when asked if he would consider this season a success, given how they overcame injuries:
"No."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) May 19, 2024
Jalen Brunson said he doesn’t view this season as a success for the Knicks.
🎥: @sny_knicks
pic.twitter.com/bTFgTxjK8V— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 19, 2024
Brunson would clarify his thoughts, centering them around the Knicks’ failure to win a championship. Again, I get it:
Brunson on why he doesn’t consider this season a success:
“Did we win a championship? Did we come close?” https://t.co/qWJmJTXHKI
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) May 19, 2024
Unless you win the last game of the year, it’ll always be hard to reflect on a sports season as a success. But I have a feeling Brunson will eventually feel differently about this year for the Knicks. And he should.
