Walt Frazier anoints Jalen Brunson as the next Knicks superstar to carry the torch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After 27 years, the New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals. Back then, it was a surprising run because the Knicks were the eighth seed, reaching the biggest stage in the NBA. This time around, it is not surprising because the Knicks have won 11 games in a row en route to the Finals.
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The Knicks have a talented roster, but Jalen Brunson is the head of the snake. Everyone acknowledges him as the star player, including the Knicks' past superstars like Patrick Ewing and Walt "Clyde" Frazier.
Jalen Brunson gets anointed as the Knicks' main man
Brunson and the Knicks pulled off a dominant sweep over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It has been one of the most impressive runs in recent postseason history because the Knicks have won 11 consecutive games in the Playoffs.
After falling to a 2-1 deficit against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have not looked back since. Brunson has been the catalyst for their success because he is their locker room leader, and he is also doing it on the court with his consistent excellence.
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It is a new era of Knicks basketball, and they have one star to credit for it, and that is Brunson. He rightfully earned the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, which was awarded to him by Ewing and Frazier.
This was a special moment for Brunson because it showed the past superstars also believed in him. That is a great moment to remember as the Knicks progress to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
"It's been a long time. Carrying on the tradition, passing it down to Jalen. He's the guy now who has to carry it. You've got to capitalize when you get there, so we're gonna stay on him," Clyde said after the Knicks' sweep over the Cavs.
Now, the Knicks are in the Finals with a shot at winning a trophy that they have not won in 53 years. They already have an NBA Cup under their belts this season; this could be the cherry on top of one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.
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