Jalen Brunson ‘definitely’ has learned to hate Heat after last year’s playoff loss
NY Post
Asked if he had properly learned to hate Miami yet as part of the famed Knicks-Heat rivalry, Jalen Brunson replied to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, “Definitely.”
Brunson and the Knicks were ousted by the Heat in the second round of last year’s playoffs despite being a betting favorite with home-court advantage in the series.
Brunson is obviously aware of the rivalry’s storied history, but did say he respects the Heat ahead of their Saturday 3 p.m. matchup at Madison Square Garden.
“I have so much respect for them, all the players over there, the coaching staff,” Brunson admitted in an ESPN interview Friday. “But when we go up head-to-head, we’re ready to get after it. Losing to them last year definitely didn’t sit well.”
Brunson’s omission from the All-Star starters was noticed after they were announced Thursday.
Despite leading the Knicks to a 28-17 record, fourth place in the Eastern Conference and averaging 26.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds — all career highs — Brunson was left out of the All-Star starting lineup, though he can still get in as a reserve.
With the NBA at its break, The Post’s hoops writers examine the key questions from the first half and forecast the rest of the season (and offseason). Here’s a look:
Doug Nussmeier hasn’t yet considered a future scenario in which he is coaching Super Bowl 2025 MVP Jalen Hurts between possessions while simultaneously stealing glances at the field to make sure that Hurts’ counterpart is doing everything that he was taught.
MONTREAL — The only guarantee in this 4 Nations Face-off is the hostile atmosphere that will follow Team USA.
TAMPA — When current rotation odd man out Marcus Stroman defiantly states he is a starter 11 times in 10 minutes after arriving for workouts later than all of his pitching Yankees teammates, well, that should just be catnip for your friendly columnist here at this bold tabloid.
The city of Philadelphia rightly showered Saquon Barkley with plenty of brotherly love on Friday, and the former Giants star gave it back to Eagles fans and staffers throughout their championship parade and celebration.
SAN FRANCISCO – A formality was made official Friday night when Carmelo Anthony, arguably the greatest Knick since Patrick Ewing, was named a finalist for the Naismith Hall of Fame.
MONTREAL — There was an absence of the pomp and circumstance that accompanied Wednesday’s Canada-Sweden opener of this 4 Nations Face-Off.
TAMPA — Max Fried and Gerrit Cole are two very different pitchers on the mound but alike in their talent and drive to succeed.
These first five paragraphs will be utilized to praise the Knicks, so if you are among that faction who prefers to ignore all the good that’s transpired over the first 54 games of this season, you have my permission to proceed to paragraph six, no hard feelings, no questions asked.
The Chiefs are giving their star tight end a deadline to inform them of his future plans.
MONTREAL — For Team USA, it was a poor start and a grand Finnish.
Nothing truly will be decided nor accurately measured until the Knicks prove they can defeat the NBA’s most elite teams and advance deeper into the playoffs.
Travis Kelce once yelled in celebration, quoting the Beastie Boys: “You got to fight, for your right, to party.”