The NBA playoffs are often described as slowing down, not in difficulty but in intensity. Each possession becomes crucial, and the tension mounts as teams strive to execute flawlessly. On Wednesday, the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson exemplified clutch performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Knicks to a 105-95 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, giving them a 1-0 series lead.
While the Spurs could only manage 19 points in the final quarter, Brunson demonstrated why he is considered one of the NBA’s top playoff performers. Since the start of the 2023 postseason, he leads in both clutch field goals made and attempted. Clutch situations are defined as games within five points in the last five minutes. Notably, only 14.8% of Brunson’s clutch shots are assisted, indicating his ability to create and make critical plays independently.
“In the biggest moments, he shows up, and that’s what MVPs are supposed to do,” New York head coach Mike Brown praised.
Brown highlighted Brunson’s ability to deliver consistently when it matters most. Brunson’s performance in Game 1 was even more remarkable given his struggles earlier in the game. He briefly left the court in the first quarter with a knee scare and appeared in pain after someone stepped on his ankle in the second. By the third quarter’s end, he had only made seven out of 22 shots. However, he overcame adversity, finishing with 30 points.
Brunson attributed his fourth-quarter success to confidence and the unwavering support from his teammates.
“I think it starts with my confidence. It comes with my work ethic,” Brunson stated.
In contrast, the Spurs faced challenges in generating effective plays. The team scored a mere 40 points in the second half, struggling to find the net in the closing quarter. Despite a brief surge from Victor Wembanyama, who scored eight points to narrow the gap, his overall performance was inefficient. He ended with 11 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 3-of-8 and committing two turnovers. The Spurs had an offensive struggle, shooting 28.6% from the field and committing critical error, while the Knicks had none.
De’Aaron Fox, the most experienced player in San Antonio’s lineup, failed to steady the team, missing both his attempts and turning the ball over twice in the last quarter. This difficulty in clutch situations has plagued the Spurs through the playoffs, leading to their 96.8 offensive rating in such moments, compared to New York’s 107.7 rating. This disparity points to the Knicks’ ability to distance themselves from opponents when games tighten.
“[Brunson] was the MVP in the second half,” Brown stated. “He carried us home.”
Brunson’s consistent ability to create opportunities under pressure proved decisive in the Knicks’ Game 1 victory.