CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks made a commitment to Jalen Brunson four years ago, signing him as a free agent and building their team around him.Brunson proved they made the right decision by leading them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.The All-Star point guard averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists during New York’s sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, earning the Larry Bird Trophy as the series MVP. He had 15 points and five assists Monday, when the Knicks crushed Cleveland 130-93 in Game 4.“It’s an honor to be here in this city and this organization,” Brunson said, sitting side-by-side with former Villanova University teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.“We’re still writing our story, but I like the journey that we’re on right now.”Skepticism abounded around the league when New York extended a four-year, $104 million contract to the then-Dallas Mavericks guard in 2022. Brunson silenced many critics when he averaged 24.0 points in his first season, then added three straight All-Star selections.After helping the Knicks reach the East finals in 2025, when they lost to the upstart Indiana Pacers, Brunson was the best player in the series from start to …
