When the Boston Celtics prepared to face the New York Knicks in the playoffs, they knew stopping Jalen Brunson would be a monumental task. What they probably didn’t anticipate, however, was just how relentless and adaptive Brunson would be. Despite throwing the kitchen sink at him — multiple defenders, shifting defensive schemes, double-teams at half-court — the Celtics have struggled to truly slow him down.
From the opening tip of Game 1, Boston made it clear: Brunson was going to be priority number one. Jrue Holiday, one of the NBA’s premier on-ball defenders, was tasked with hounding Brunson up and down the court. Derrick White, another All-Defensive caliber guard, took turns as well. Even Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown got their chances, using their length and size to try and bother him. The Celtics weren’t just switching; they were blitzing pick-and-rolls, showing hard traps, icing the sideline, and rotating behind the ball aggressively. At one point, it felt like there was a new defensive look every trip down the floor.
And yet, Brunson kept answering.
Whether it was a tricky hesitation dribble to beat Holiday, a clever spin move to shed White, or simply a tough, contested floater over Al Horford, Brunson has looked poised. His handle has been tight, his decision-making nearly flawless, and his toughness absolutely unshakable. Every time the Celtics seemed to be making a run, Brunson would step up with a clutch bucket or a perfect assist to steady the Knicks.
What makes Brunson particularly frustrating to defend is his patience. He doesn’t rush. If the Celtics try to speed him up, he simply takes a retreat dribble, resets, and probes again. If they switch a big onto him, Brunson isolates and attacks the mismatch methodically. If they trap, he makes the simple pass, trusting his teammates to make the right play. His mental toughness has mirrored that of a seasoned veteran who’s been through countless wars — not a guard still relatively early in his prime.
The Celtics, for all their talent and defensive acumen, have been forced into adjustments on adjustments. Joe Mazzulla has experimented with zone looks, occasionally bringing in Payton Pritchard for extra quickness or going ultra-big to clog the lane. Still, Brunson has found ways to thrive. His midrange game — a bit of a lost art in today’s three-point-heavy NBA — has been a lethal weapon against Boston’s drop coverages. He’s not reliant on just the three or attacking the rim; he thrives in the “in-between” spaces that elite defenses typically force you into — and where most players falter.
At this point, it’s fair to say: the Celtics have thrown everything at Jalen Brunson… and he’s thrown it right back.
With the series tightening, Boston needs an answer — and fast. Because if they don’t find a way to finally slow Brunson down, the Knicks just might ride their gritty star guard all the way to a major playoff upset. 😮
