Jalen Brunson facing a playoff challenge from Hawks’ Dyson Daniels

Jalen Brunson Faces Tough Challenge in Playoffs

Not too long ago, Jalen Brunson was mainly viewed as a secondary player—perhaps even labeled as a somewhat overpriced acquisition when he joined the Knicks in 2022. Many saw him as just a second-round talent.

He stepped into a franchise that had struggled, making the playoffs just once in nearly a decade. Now, he’s become a generation’s equivalent of Bernard King, so much so that drawing comparisons to that legendary player doesn’t feel far-fetched anymore.

As the Knicks gear up for their fourth consecutive postseason, Brunson has emerged as a player who instills confidence in fans during crucial moments. Few are as ready for high-pressure situations. There’s every reason to believe this playoff run will be no different for him.

However, Brunson’s initial challenge may come from Atlanta’s 6-foot-7 defensive star, Dyson Daniels, who could prove to be one of his toughest opponents this spring.

“He’s an excellent defender,” Brunson acknowledged after a recent practice. “Very intelligent and uses his wingspan effectively. He creates a lot of disruptions for both opponents and his own team.”

Last season, Daniels earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, finishing second in the league for turnovers forced and tied for fourth in steals per game.

This 23-year-old Australian is set to make his playoff debut Saturday for Game 1 of this first-round series at Madison Square Garden. Interestingly, NBA tracking indicates he’s defended Brunson more than anyone else in the league over the past two years.

Daniels’ height and athleticism have already posed challenges for Brunson. For instance, during last season’s NBA Cup quarterfinal, Brunson was limited to just 15 points in a win against Daniels and the Hawks. They’ve had eight matchups in the last three seasons, with Brunson holding a plus/minus of 24 across those games.

Last season, Daniels expressed that Brunson wouldn’t enjoy facing him as a defender, hinting at their emerging rivalry. Brunson responded strong, averaging 31.6 points in their five most recent meetings. In one game, Brunson triumphed over Daniels at the Garden, even managing to taunt him after a foul-out.

This season, Brunson has put up an average of 29.3 points and 7.7 assists in three games against the Hawks, winning two. However, he’s struggled with his three-point shooting, hitting under 30 percent.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Brunson reflected last year. “Regardless of any back-and-forth, he’s quite the competitor.” In the Knicks’ first conference finals in 25 years, Brunson ignited a strong performance from Detroit’s Orser Thompson. His mettle was further tested against one of the league’s quintessential perimeter defenders, Jrue Holiday, during a second-round upset of the Celtics.

It seems that the best opponents bring out his best game.

“The Hawks have been playing really well,” Brunson noted. “We need to prepare ourselves for this challenge. It’s exciting, but it’s also going to be a tough battle ahead.”