Jalen Brunson is aware of a key issue the New York Knicks have learned this postseason.
The New York Knicks have been one of the best teams in the playoffs this season, only losing two games in the 2026 postseason. This was a significant improvement after early struggles.
Knicks’ Eastern Conference Favourites Status
Against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks showed why they are the favourites in the Eastern Conference. They were somewhat unstable against the Atlanta Hawks, but Jalen Brunson and the Knicks appear to have rectified the issue.
Throughout the Knicks’ playoff runs in recent seasons, there have been moments when they have struggled in key situations. Against the Hawks, CJ McCollum and the team exposed some problems.
Since then, the Knicks have learned how to perform in high-pressure games. They will want to maintain pressure on their opponents, which could be key to the Knicks winning the Eastern Conference Finals.
- The Knicks have not won a championship for a long time.
Brunson’s Focus on Consistency
Brunson does not want to relive the Knicks’ playoff struggles. That is why they are locked in a series against the Cavaliers, because they want to demonstrate that they have overcome their issues.
“Obviously, I think it happened this year when we played against Atlanta. We took our foot off the gas; even in Game 1 we won, but in Game 2 we lost. It’s something we have to be better at, I think we have been, but we can’t be complacent,” Brunson said before Game 1 against Cleveland.
Maintaining the pressure is a significant aspect of how they can beat Cleveland. The Knicks are the favourites, but the Cavaliers are difficult to beat, especially when their backs are against the wall.
Brunson believes the Knicks have improved in this area but must avoid complacency.