Why Jalen Brunson was so upset after Knicks’ NBA Finals Game 1 win
A Spurs fan seemed to have gotten Jalen Brunson a little hot after the Knicks toppled San Antonio 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night in San Antonio.
Read more Jalen Brunson explodes at ref Scott Foster after Spurs player steps on ankle
The ESPN broadcast seemed to catch Brunson yelling toward a fan behind the scorer’s table after the final buzzer sounded in San Antonio.
Brunson was talking with referee Scott Foster and then seemed to turn his attention toward someone else, presumably a person in the crowd.
A Knicks teammate could be seen trying to grab Brunson, and Foster seemed to try to refocus his attention.
“[Brunson] having some words for somebody, looks like behind the scorer’s table,” ESPN broadcaster Mike Breen said on air.
“Not one of the scorers, a fan.”
It’s unclear what was said or any further details about the seemingly brief exchange.
Brunson once again played the hero as he helped the Knicks erase a 14-point third-quarter deficit in what would become a Game 1 victory.
Brunson finished the game with 30 points on 12-of-31 shooting in 37 minutes.
It also came despite Brunson being banged up during the course of the win, which included coming out of the game in the first quarter after the Spurs’ Harrison Barnes crashed into his right leg.
Read more Jalen Brunson’s heroics carry Knicks to thrilling Game 1 win over Spurs in NBA Finals
And then after returning in the second quarter, Brunson had his ankle stepped on.
“He was the MVP in the second half,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said of Brunson. “He did what MVP candidates are supposed to do. He carried us home. We put the ball in his hands, and he got it done for us down the stretch.”
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Brunson even earned praise from the opposing side on Wednesday, as the Knicks took a 1-0 series lead over the Spurs.
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama told reporters that Brunson was “an elite player,” and Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson called him a “phenomenal player” after the game.