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Knicks star Jalen Brunson reveals moment when he knew Madison Square Garden was ‘different’
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- Knicks star Jalen Brunson reveals moment when he knew Madison Square Garden was ‘different’
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New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has played on some of basketball's biggest stages, but one playoff series at Madison Square Garden convinced him there is nothing quite like postseason basketball in New York.
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During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the 2026 NBA Finals MVP reflected on the moment he truly understood why Madison Square Garden has earned its reputation as one of the NBA's most iconic venues.
Brunson pointed to his first playoff series with the Knicks as the experience that changed his perspective.
"First playoff series in New York… I think this when I understood that the Garden was different."
Although Brunson already knew the arena's history and reputation, he said experiencing a playoff atmosphere firsthand was something entirely different.
"Like, I knew the Garden was always different but to be able to experience it, playoffs in the Garden, the Garden was real."
"And I knew that homecourt advantage was a real thing."
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Brunson has become one of the central figures behind Madison Square Garden's resurgence in recent years. Since signing with the Knicks in 2022 , he has helped transform the franchise into an Eastern Conference powerhouse while establishing himself as one of the league's premier guards.
Jalen Brunson embraced Madison Square Garden's legendary playoff atmosphere
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
That journey reached its peak during the 2025-26 season. Brunson guided New York to its first NBA championship since 1973 , earning NBA Finals MVP honors after leading the Knicks past Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in five games .
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Throughout the postseason, Madison Square Garden served as one of the league's most electric environments. The crowd repeatedly fueled New York during critical moments, helping create one of the strongest homecourt advantages in the NBA.
Brunson's comments underscored what many players and fans have long believed about the historic arena. While Madison Square Garden has always carried prestige, the intensity of a Knicks playoff game elevates the experience to another level.
After helping end the franchise's 53-year championship drought, Brunson now holds a permanent place in Madison Square Garden history. His latest comments offered another reminder of the connection that developed between the Finals MVP, the Knicks and one of basketball's most famous venues.
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