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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Isiah Thomas praises Jalen Brunson after Knicks championship win

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 12:28 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Isiah Thomas praises Jalen Brunson after Knicks championship win
Summary

Isiah Thomas praised Jalen Brunson following the Knicks' recent NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points per game in the series, became one of only four players under 6-foot-2 to earn Finals MVP honors. Thomas, a former Finals MVP himself, related his experiences as a smaller player during an episode of the 'Crossover Podcast,' emphasizing that skill can overcome size disadvantages. Brunson's performance in Game 5 included a historic 45 points, marking the first time a player in Knicks history scored over 40 points in an NBA Finals game.

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By the Numbers
  • •Brunson averaged 32.6 points per game in the Finals.
  • •Thomas won the Finals MVP in 1990 for the Detroit Pistons.
  • •Brunson scored 45 points in Game 5 of the Finals.
  • •Brunson is now one of four players under 6-foot-2 with Finals MVP honors.
  • •Thomas discussed the struggles and triumphs of smaller players in the NBA.
Latest Updates
  • 12:28 AMYahoo Sports — NBA legend Isiah Thomas relates to Jalen Brunson after Knicks championship
What they're saying
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Only four players in NBA history have earned Finals MVP honors at 6-foot-2 or shorter, including Jalen Brunson and Isiah Thomas.

Related Teams & Leagues
Charlotte HornetsCleveland CavaliersDallas MavericksDetroit PistonsNew York KnicksPortland Trail BlazersNBABasketball

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