Jalen Brunson Lives Up to Kobe Legacy in Playoffs
Jalen Brunson exceeds Kobe Bryant's playoff point total.
In a thrilling twist, Jalen Brunson surpasses Kobe Bryant's playoff record by amassing the most points scored in the fourth quarter of any playoff game. On April 19, 2025, Brunson's 22 points in Game 5 of the New York Knicks versus the Boston Celtics series propelled him to 102 points, eclipsing Bryant's 100 points set in 2001 and 2003.
Despite the Knicks not wrapping things up in Game 5, the Celtics still pushed the series past the halfway mark with a 127-102 win. The decisive Game 6 takes place on Friday at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson has been a significant driving force for the Knicks this postseason with a staggering average of 32 points and 8 assists per game. After clinching Game 4, Brunson conveyed a clear message that they wouldn't have time to celebrate. In that game, he produced a mind-blowing double-double of 39 points and 12 assists.
Brunson's fourth-quarter skills have become a defining aspect of his game. During the regular season, he averaged 6.4 points per game in the critical last quarter. His exceptional performance saw him shine during Game 2 against the Celtics, scoring 9 of his 17 points in the climactic fourth quarter. This undeniable ability to perform when it matters most recalls comparisons to Bryant.
Jaden Hart Comes to Brunson's Defence
Notably, Josh Hart wife jumpstarted a discussion when she defended Brunson by simply replying to a questionable move by Jaylen Brown with a one-word response.
Derrick White and Stephen Curry Share NBA History
Meanwhile, Derrick White made history along with Stephen Curry as the duo cemented their place in the NBA record books.
Jalen Brunson's Resilient Celtics Claim
Adding more intrigue to the matchup, Jalen Brunson made an eye-opening assertion about the resilient Celtics.
Brunson's Hilarious Post-Foul Out Gesture
Despite fouling out in Game 4, Brunson's post-foul out gesture signaled that the Knicks were going to be just fine.
Brunson has adopted a "Mamba Mentality," much like Bryant. His unwavering confidence and indomitable spirit give him class and panache that remind us of the one-and-only Black Mamba. Bryant was infamous for his cool demeanor during tension-filled playoff games, and Brunson appears to share similar traits, soaking up the pressure and responding accordingly.
Bryant was named the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year for shooting 51% in clutch shots this season. Similarly, Brunson's laser-focused attitude and ability to deliver during crunch time have not gone unnoticed among the Knicks and the league.
Even on off-days, Brunson seems to have an incredible drive to improve. The Knicks wouldn't be where they are without Brunson. Although they have solid assets, they wouldn't contend for the Conference Finals without him.
[1]: Statistics from his entire playoff career (2017-present).[2]: Obtained through the 2025 playoff games.
In the heat of the NBA playoffs, Jalen Brunson's fourth-quarter skills have become reminiscent of Kobe Bryant, with his 22 points in Game 5 propelling him past Bryant's playoff record, set in 2001 and 2003, securing a total of 102 points.
Brunson's exceptional performance in the playoffs, averaging 32 points and 8 assists per game, has solidified his position as a significant driving force for the New York Knicks in their postseason run.
