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Lonzo Ball has had many ups and downs throughout his NBA career. The veteran guard also knows what it takes to succeed at the position, which inspires him to offer a bold opinion on one of the league’s hottest stars.
Ball, who recently played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, called Jalen Brunson “the best Knick to do it… ever” in an article on X.
Ball’s comment came after Brunson scored 30 points to help New York earn a 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson moves after scoring a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 3, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
Ball and Brunson last faced off against each other on Christmas Day in New York, when Brunson led the Knicks in scoring in a 126-124 victory over the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. The ball came off the bench in this game, logging 14 minutes and recording one rebound.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball stands on the court before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 24, 2025. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)
Since arriving in New York, Brunson has become known for his clutch play. He played a key role in the Knicks’ run to their first NBA Finals appearance in more than two decades. After their comeback in Game 1, the Knicks need three more wins to clinch their first title in over half a century.
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Brunson may be the brightest star currently donning blue and orange, but he plays for a franchise with a deep history — even if the past few decades have brought limited success. The Knicks’ past is filled with historic players and Hall of Famers.
Jalen Brunson attacks the basket during the Knicks’ 105-95 Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) ((Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images))
Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Charles Oakley and others have often been ranked among the storied franchise’s best players. If Brunson helps the Knicks bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy back to 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, it would certainly strengthen his case for a more prominent place in franchise history.
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Brunson briefly headed to the locker room after an injury in the first game, but eventually returned to the field. In the final minute of the game, Brunson appeared frustrated with some unidentified fans on the court during teammate OG Anunoby’s foul shot attempts. The NBA has since opened an investigation into the incident, ESPN reported Thursday, citing sources.
Game 2 in San Antonio is scheduled to begin Friday night before the series moves to New York next week for Game 3.
