Knicks’ Brunson Says He Feels a Direct Link to Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”
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NEW YORK — On the eve of Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson said he senses a strong connection to Kobe Bryant’s famed “Mamba Mentality,” even though he has not recently revisited the late Los Angeles Lakers star’s highlights.
“I haven’t watched anything recently,” Brunson told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. “I think the way I carry myself and the way I do things is a credit to how I was raised by my parents. But also part of the philosophy seeps into the Mamba Mentality as well, so there’s a connectivity there.”
Brunson added that he focuses on “staying present,” keeping his mind right, and trusting his daily preparation. “That’s what’s got me here,” he said.
Rapid rise in New York
Since signing with the Knicks in 2022, the 6-foot-2 guard has propelled the franchise to its most successful run in decades and now has New York one victory away from its first championship since 1973. Drafted in the second round in 2018, Brunson has grown into an elite closer whose late-game performances have routinely drawn comparisons to Bryant’s.
Historic road streak
The Knicks have won eight consecutive road playoff games this postseason, matching the mark set by the 2001 Lakers for the longest single-postseason road winning streak in NBA history.
Source: Lakers Nation
