Jalen Brunson asked if he learned to hate Miami correctly as part of the famous Knicks vs. Heat rivalry “That's right,” he told ESPN's Michael Wilbon.
Brunson and the Knicks lost to the Heat in the second round of last year's playoffs despite having home court advantage and being betting favorites in the series.
Brunson, obviously aware of the rivalry's storied history, said he respects the Heat ahead of Saturday's 3 p.m. matchup at Madison Square Garden.
“I have a lot of respect for these guys, all the players, the coaching staff,” Brunson admitted in an ESPN interview Friday. “But when we go head-to-head, we're ready to go after it. Losing to them last year was definitely not good.”
Brunson's removal from the All-Star starting lineup was noted after it was announced Thursday.
Despite leading the Knicks to a 28-17 record, fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and averaging 26.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds (all career highs), Brunson was left out of the All-Star starting lineup. However, there is still a possibility that he will be able to participate. As a reserve.
In the Eastern Conference, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum will start in the frontcourt, and Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard will start in the backcourt.
Brunson said he “really doesn't care” about not getting attention at the All-Star level despite playing in New York. “I've always been watched over. … I don't really care what people say. I just have to go out there and keep proving that I'm right and that I belong.”
When asked if he had reached a level he never thought he would reach, Brunson replied:
“I never thought something like this would happen. In this city, in this organization, my father. [Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson] On the bench. He is always there.former [Villanova] My teammates with me. I'd be lying if I said I expected this to happen. ”
The Heat, who have lost five straight, entered Friday with a 24-21 record and entered seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
In their only meeting this season, the Knicks won 100-98 on Nov. 24 as part of an in-season tournament, rallying from a 21-point deficit to defeat Miami 29-11 in the fourth quarter.
