Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are the first teammates to both score 20+ PTS in the first 5 games of a Conference Finals series since the Lakers duo did in 2002!
The Knicks look to force a Game 7 with a win tonight. Don’t miss ECF Game 6 vs. Indiana at 8:00pm/et on TNT.
In the world of basketball, history doesn’t just repeat itself—it echoes through the names, the moments, and the duos that define eras. In 2002, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dominated the hardwood as one of the most unstoppable tandems in NBA history. Fast-forward over two decades later, and a new pair has etched their names into the postseason record books: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The New York Knicks’ dynamic pairing has achieved something no teammates have done since the early 2000s Lakers dynasty—both scoring 20 or more points in each of the first five games of a Conference Finals series. That’s elite territory, and Brunson and Towns are walking confidently among the legends.
From Underdogs to Unstoppable
Let’s be honest: no one had this on their 2025 NBA Playoff bingo card. While Brunson’s rise to stardom has been well-documented over the last two seasons, and Towns has always had All-Star caliber talent, few predicted this level of dominance when the postseason tipped off. And yet, here we are—five games into the Eastern Conference Finals, and these two are carrying the Knicks through a grueling matchup, night after night.
Brunson, the gritty floor general with an old-school game and ice in his veins, has emerged as one of the league’s premier playoff performers. His shot creation, footwork, and relentless drive make him nearly impossible to contain. Meanwhile, Towns—often questioned for consistency—has been nothing short of clutch. His ability to stretch the floor, bully smaller defenders, and knock down timely buckets has added a critical dimension to New York’s attack.
Together, they’ve formed a 1-2 punch no team has figured out how to stop.
Echoes of Shaq and Kobe
When you hear “Shaq and Kobe,” you immediately think dominance. Rings. Legacy. Fire and force. Shaq brought brute strength and unstoppable post play. Kobe delivered finesse, fearlessness, and fourth-quarter heroics. Their combined playoff scoring in 2002 was devastating—and no pair had matched their five-game, 20+ PPG feat in a Conference Finals until now.
Brunson and Towns may not mirror Shaq and Kobe’s style, but what they’re doing is no less impactful. They’re relentless, confident, and composed. Every game, they show up—and not just with points, but with leadership and poise.
To be clear, no one’s saying JB and KAT are the next Shaq and Kobe in terms of legacy—but in this specific historic stat, they stand shoulder to shoulder with one of the greatest duos ever.
The Knicks’ Moment
For the Knicks franchise, this run has been monumental. This isn’t just another playoff appearance. It’s a cultural shift. The Garden is electric again. Fans who’ve waited decades for real postseason hope are finally watching a team that delivers under pressure.
Brunson has become the face of New York basketball, embodying the tough, fearless spirit the city loves. Towns, often doubted in previous playoff runs with Minnesota, is finally showcasing what he can do on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights.
And it’s not just the scoring totals that matter. It’s when they score. Clutch buckets. Momentum-shifting plays. Responses to opponents’ runs. JB and KAT aren’t just padding stats—they’re deciding games.
Chemistry That Can’t Be Coached
What makes this duo particularly dangerous is their on-court synergy. Brunson knows exactly when to attack or dish. Towns knows when to pop, roll, or isolate. Their rhythm feels instinctive—as if they’ve been playing together for years. There’s trust between them, and that trust is translating to wins.
Unlike some stars who need the offense to revolve solely around them, Brunson and Towns play with each other, not in competition. That kind of partnership—where ego takes a back seat to the bigger goal—is rare in today’s NBA.
The Road Ahead
Of course, history only means so much if you don’t finish the job. Shaq and Kobe didn’t just make Conference Finals history in 2002—they went on to win it all. That’s the next challenge for JB and KAT.
If they can close out this series and earn a spot in the NBA Finals, the story only gets richer. A championship? That would launch them into another level entirely, not just in the eyes of Knicks fans, but in the conversation around all-time playoff duos.
But for now, let’s appreciate the feat. Five straight games, each putting up 20+ in the Conference Finals. That’s consistency. That’s pressure performance. That’s greatness.
A New Chapter in NBA History
Stats can be cold numbers unless they come wrapped in a story—and this one’s a good one. A scrappy point guard and a versatile big man, teaming up in the most passionate basketball city in the world, rewriting playoff history while chasing something bigger.
So yes, JB and KAT just joined Shaq and Kobe in the record books. And maybe, just maybe, they’re not done making history yet.
