In West Sacramento, CA, the Yankees’ captain expressed a desire to see more of the Knicks’ captain, appreciating what he’s observed so far.
Throughout the NBA playoffs, except for games 3 and 6 in the first round held in Detroit, the Knicks’ playoff schedule has coincided with the Yankees’ games.
On Saturday, while the Yankees played across the country, the Knicks faced the Celtics in their second round, sadly losing 115-93.
“Catching the game was tough,” the judge noted before the Yankees’ 11-7 loss at Sutter Health Park. “But I’ve seen their highlights and what they’re doing.”
It’s particularly striking to see them compete against Boston, a former champion, he added.
“Having a two-game lead is quite impressive. They truly seem awake and getting stronger, making clutch plays on both offense and defense. I just wish I could manage to watch the game.”
The judge had met Jalen Branson last year when he threw the ceremonial first pitch at a game in the Bronx. They shared a brief conversation on the field; not enough to really get to know each other, but just enough for Branson to leave an impression.
“He seems like a really great guy,” the judge remarked, recalling that Branson seemed quite family-oriented. “It says a lot about him.”
He seemed calm and relaxed on the field, much like how he appears during games.
In many ways, both Branson and the judge are players who have distinguished themselves before reaching another level of success.
As a two-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, the judge has worked hard to eliminate the weaknesses in his game, now standing alongside the legends rather than with his contemporaries.
During Saturday’s loss, he hit two home runs, entering Sunday with leading stats in average (.396), on-base percentage (.486), and slugging percentage (.772).
Branson, who was once a supporting player with the Mavericks, transformed from being a bench player to becoming Luka Doncic’s main man.
He signed with the Knicks in 2022, reaching new heights in his career.
Now, as a pivotal player, he’s guiding a long-suffering franchise past the Pistons and pushing to take down the Celtics.
“He’s been a clutch player for the Knicks, helping them rally from a 20-point deficit in the first two games, with his free throw putting them ahead in the second,” the judge noted.
Branson is set to participate in Game 3 on Saturday, where Yankees advisor Omar Luminaya will be sitting courtside. Branson has been averaging 29.4 points and 7.6 assists over eight playoff games.
“He’s a quiet assassin,” remarked the judge about Branson. “He goes out there and does his job… it’s really impressive to watch, especially in New York.”
