close
close

Frances Tiafoe: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is ‘almost’ bigger than Jay-Z in New York | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Posted on by Vaseline
Frances Tiafoe: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is ‘almost’ bigger than Jay-Z in New York | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 121-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Jalen Brunson’s rise to fame in New York City could put him on par with Jay-Z, according to Frances Tiafoe.

The tennis star said Brunson is “almost bigger than Jay-Z” in New York City after finishing his second round match at the US Open.

New York Basketball @NBA_NewYork

“Brunson, he’s the man here, he’s almost bigger than Jay-Z”
—Francis Tiafoe photo.twitter.com/h2ikOneyv9

It’s hard for anyone to come close to Jay-Z in the NYC hierarchy. “Empire State of Mind” is all about how much he loves the city, with references to Brooklyn, Tribeca, Harlem, Bed-Stuy, the Knicks, Nets and Yankees.

Brunson elevated himself to that category largely thanks to his performance for the Knicks in last season’s NBA playoffs. The superstar point guard averaged 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game in 13 starts.

The Knicks appeared to be headed for an Eastern Conference Finals spot, but injuries to key players in the first two rounds of the playoffs proved too much.

Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in four consecutive playoff games. He accomplished the feat in Games 4-6 of the First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers and Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.

The 27-year-old only made himself more popular with Knicks fans when he signed a new contract in July for $113 million less than what he could have earned if he had waited until next summer to extend his deal.

Brunson’s decision to take a break now gives the Knicks the flexibility to keep their core of Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby together and avoid the second tax.

If Brunson can come close to matching Jay-Z’s popularity in New York by leading the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, imagine what will happen if they advance even further next season.

Related Posts