Magic Strategy to Contain Jalen Brunson
In Las Vegas, the Magic are gearing up for a strategy to keep Jalen Brunson in check. Anthony Black mentioned after Friday’s practice, “We’re looking to get physical with every team, every player, but especially with the star guard. It’s really about seeing how he reacts when we put some pressure on him.”
Brunson had quite a performance in their latest encounter—a 106-100 win for the Knicks. He scored 30 points and dished out nine assists, also hitting 12 free throws, which marks the second-highest in a game for this season. In their earlier match-up, a rather tougher game for the Magic that ended in a 124-107 loss, he managed to make 13 free throws, tying for the season’s highest.
The key to the Magic’s approach will be keeping him under control during Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena.
Jalen Suggs shared his thoughts, saying, “He gets stronger when he’s at the free-throw line. Getting those easy points gives him confidence. It’s crucial to find that right balance between being solid and aggressive. We want to make things uncomfortable for him, but that’s a tricky line to walk, you know? Great players have a way of making you adjust.”
Meanwhile, on another note, Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, who had previously played under Knicks coach Mike Brown when he was with the Kings, reflected on the impact of Brown’s coaching. An earlier report stated that Brown’s midseason firing from Sacramento influenced Fox’s desire to leave. Fox commented, “He brings accountability at every level of the organization. I’m not shocked at how well they’re playing. They have talent, but Brown adds something special to that.”
Brown believes facing elimination-style games, like the one on Saturday, is beneficial for the Knicks as they prepare for the playoffs. “Playing in this kind of environment is a real advantage. I’ve been part of six NBA Finals teams, and while there’s obviously more media and distractions during those times, this resembles the intensity you’ll feel in the playoffs.”
