Jalen Brunson’s path to Knicks stardom rooted in his playoff struggles versus Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO — The 2022 playoffs has frequently been referenced as the introduction of Jalen Brunson to the masses.

It was certainly the point that the Dallas Mavericks realized their epic blunder for not originally offering him the $55 million to re-sign.

With Luka Doncic injured, Brunson carried the Mavericks through the first round — averaging nearly 28 points on 48 percent shooting against the favored Utah Jazz — before serving as Doncic’s wingman to a conference semis victory against the Suns.

But then the Mavericks were pummeled in the conference finals by the Warriors, a series that lasted just five games and ended with Brunson shooting 3-for-10 in the clincher.

In that series, no player guarded Brunson more than Draymond Green, a strong and versatile power forward. According to NBA.com, Brunson, who otherwise played pretty well against the Warriors, shot just 41 percent overall and 29 percent on 3s with Green as his defender.

It became a lesson that’s applicable today as Brunson, now the focal point of scouting reports, has faced an array of defenders. He’s learned and thrived in those situations.