TITLE: Mike Breen Says Jalen Brunson’s Mental Fortitude Rivals Jordan and Kobe
SLUG: mike-breen-says-jalen-brunsons-mental-fortitude-rivals-jordan-and-kobe
CONTENT:
Veteran Knicks and ESPN play-by-play voice Mike Breen believes Jalen Brunson’s mindset is on par with some of basketball’s most celebrated competitors. In an interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Breen said the New York guard’s “iron will” places him alongside Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in terms of mental toughness.
“He’s not tall, he’s not fast, he’s not overly athletic,” Breen told the newspaper. “But he’s one of the mentally strongest players I’ve ever been around.” Breen added that when discussions turn to Jordan and Bryant, he is comfortable mentioning Brunson “with anybody.”
Brunson, 27, has steered the Knicks to their first NBA Finals berth since 1999. New York advanced past the Cavaliers and will meet the San Antonio Spurs with a championship on the line. The run marks one of the most productive postseasons in franchise history.
After four seasons with the Mavericks, Brunson signed with New York in 2022. Four years later, the All-Star guard has the Knicks four wins from their first title since 1973. Breen told the Post that regardless of the Finals outcome, Brunson has already entered the conversation among the greatest players to wear a Knicks uniform.
The series also creates a unique family milestone. Brunson and his father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, are the first father-son duo to appear in the Finals for the same organization. Rick Brunson suited up for the 1999 Knicks squad that, coincidentally, fell to San Antonio.
Breen said that few athletes are better prepared to handle the spotlight now fixed on the younger Brunson.
Source: Hoops Wire
