Introduction: The Rising Pressure on Jalen Brunson Amid Knicks’ Playoff Struggles
Jalen Brunson is facing tough questions right now. The New York Knicks are locked in a 1-1 tie with the Atlanta Hawks after a heartbreaking loss at Madison Square Garden [Source: Google News]. Brunson, the Knicks’ main playmaker and scorer, is getting more attention than ever. Fans and experts expect him to carry the team, but he’s showing cracks under playoff pressure. As the series heads to Atlanta, Brunson’s game—and the Knicks’ hopes—are under a microscope.
People wonder if he can keep up with the fast pace and tough defense of the playoffs. If Brunson slips, the Knicks could lose their shot at a deep run. This isn’t just about one player. It’s about how the whole team needs to step up and help their star. The Knicks face a big choice: let Brunson struggle alone, or change things to give him the support he needs.
Examining Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Performance: Where Is He Being Exposed?
Brunson’s playoff numbers tell a story. He scored just 18 points in Game 2, shooting 35% from the field and missing key shots late in the game [Source: Google News]. That’s a drop from his regular season average of 28 points per game, where he shot over 47%. He also had four turnovers as the Hawks turned up the pressure. The Hawks have figured out that if they trap Brunson, he gets stuck. They send double teams at him, forcing him to pass or take tough shots.
On defense, Brunson’s size has become a problem. Atlanta’s guards, like CJ McCollum, have attacked him with quick moves and screens. Brunson sometimes gets caught behind his man, leaving easy looks for the Hawks. When the Knicks need a big play, Brunson faces defenders who are stronger and faster than he saw in the regular season. The Hawks use pick-and-rolls to pull him out of position, and the Knicks haven’t found a way to help him recover.
Brunson’s game relies on his quick first step and strong finishing at the rim. In the playoffs, defenders crowd him, and he can’t get the same space. He looks tired in the fourth quarter, where his stats drop sharply. In Game 2, he scored only 4 points in the last 12 minutes [Source: Google News]. The Hawks know how to cut off his drives, and Brunson hasn’t found an answer yet. If this keeps up, his confidence—and the Knicks’ chances—will sink fast.
The Knicks’ Role in Supporting and Saving Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Journey
Brunson can’t win alone. The Knicks’ game plan needs to make life easier for him. Right now, too much runs through Brunson, and opponents know it. The team’s other guards and wings aren’t helping enough. When Brunson gets trapped, he needs teammates to move and get open. That isn’t happening. The Knicks’ offense turns slow and predictable, and Brunson faces double teams with no escape.
Coach Tom Thibodeau is known for his tough style, but he hasn’t adjusted much. He keeps Brunson on the floor for long stretches, hoping he’ll play through the trouble. But Brunson looks worn out. The Knicks should stagger his minutes, let him rest, and run more plays for other scorers. Giving Brunson a break could help him finish games stronger. The team also needs to use screens and off-ball movement to free Brunson from traps.
Brunson’s confidence depends on his teammates. If they step up, he won’t have to force bad shots. When the Knicks’ shooters make three-pointers, defenders can’t double Brunson as easily. Leadership matters, too. The Knicks have veterans like Julius Randle who can take pressure off Brunson. Smart passing, quick cuts, and vocal support all play a role. If the Knicks want to save their star, they need to play as a unit, not just hope Brunson gets hot.
Implications of Brunson’s Struggles for the Knicks’ Playoff Aspirations
Brunson’s problems are a warning. If he keeps struggling, the Knicks could lose the series. Their offense slows down when he’s trapped, and the Hawks take advantage with fast breaks. The Knicks’ bench hasn’t stepped up enough, so Brunson’s mistakes hurt even more. When a star player falters, the whole team feels it. Fans worry the Knicks’ playoff hopes will end early if Brunson can’t bounce back.
Team chemistry gets shaky when things go wrong. Players start pressing, and shots stop falling. If Brunson looks frustrated, others might lose confidence too. The Knicks have seen this before. In past playoff runs, stars like Carmelo Anthony faced tough defenses and didn’t get enough help. The team needs to learn from history—one player can’t do it all. If they don’t, the Knicks could miss their shot at a big year.
The stakes are high for the franchise. New York has waited for a strong playoff run since 2013. Losing now could push fans to call for changes—new coaches, trades, or even a rebuild. Brunson is supposed to be the face of the team’s future. If he fails, the Knicks might rethink their plans. The front office will watch closely, knowing that how they support Brunson now could shape the next few seasons.
Opinion: Why the Knicks Must Step Up Now to Protect Their Star and Their Season
The Knicks can’t let Brunson face this alone. He’s their best player, but he needs help. It’s on the team to fix this before the series slips away. First, they should trust their other scorers. Run plays for Randle and Barrett to spread the floor. Give Brunson a chance to play off-ball, so defenders can’t trap him every possession.
Second, coaching needs to change. Thibodeau must mix up the rotations and adjust his strategies. Use screens to get Brunson open, and stagger his minutes so he stays fresh late in games. Try new lineups with more shooters, forcing Atlanta to defend everyone. The Knicks have smart vets—let them handle the ball sometimes, so Brunson can rest and regroup.
Third, keep team morale strong. When a star struggles, teammates must show support. Encourage Brunson, trust him, and play with energy. Remind everyone: the playoffs are about fighting together. If the Knicks play as a group, Brunson can find his rhythm again.
Finally, remember that protecting your star is about the whole season, not just one series. The Knicks have a chance to build trust and teamwork for the future. If they help Brunson now, he’ll grow as a leader—and the team will be better for it. New York thrives when its stars shine, but only when the team works as one. The Knicks must act now, or risk losing both their star and their shot at glory.
Conclusion: The Crucial Crossroads for Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in This Playoff Series
Jalen Brunson is at a turning point. The Knicks’ playoff dreams depend on how he—and the team—respond to this pressure. Brunson is being exposed, but he’s not alone. The Knicks must change their game plan, support their leader, and play as a true team. If they do, they can turn things around and chase a deeper playoff run.
The stakes are bigger than just this series. How the Knicks handle Brunson’s struggles will show what kind of team they are—and where they’re headed next. Fans want to see grit and teamwork, not just one player carrying all the weight. Now is the time for the Knicks to step up and save their star. The rest of the playoffs will show if they’re ready for the challenge—or if the pressure is too much.
Why It Matters
- Jalen Brunson’s struggles highlight the Knicks’ reliance on his scoring and playmaking.
- If the Knicks do not adjust, Brunson’s drop in efficiency could cost them the series.
- How the team responds could define their playoff run and Brunson’s reputation as a star.