Brunson could not re-enter for the stretch run, when he so-often thrives. It cost the Knicks the opportunity to close out this series, which shifts to Detroit for Game 6.

New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against th

Greatness isn’t a one-time thing. It’s excelling again, again and then one more time. Brunson has done that in New York, and the safe bet is that he’ll continue to as the Knicks embark on their most pressured-filled postseason during his time.