Magic Johnson believes Jalen Brunson can lead Knicks to NBA championship

Just in case you already turned off the television in the fourth quarter, the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime, 115-104, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Those who thought that the Cavaliers already had it in the bag after erecting a 22-point lead with just eight minutes left were gravely mistaken.

With Jalen Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks refused to quit, going on a 44-11 surge—not a typo—in the final 12 minutes to complete the come-from-behind victory.

Brunson finished with a game-high 38 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. He went 15-of-29 from the field, including the layup that sent the game into overtime. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Brunson left everyone in awe, including Magic Johnson, who had high praise for the three-time All-Star.

“Jalen Brunson’s performance tonight proved once again that he has the talent to lead the Knicks to an NBA championship!” wrote Johnson on X.

Jalen Brunson’s performance tonight proved, once again, that he has the talent to lead the Knicks to a NBA Championship! https://t.co/7RFNfWIGbM

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 20, 2026

Johnson won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

His comment was the exact opposite of Becky Hammon’s remark in 2023, which recently resurfaced. She said Brunson was “too small” to lead the Knicks to the title.

The 29-year-old Brunson has been nothing but magnificent in the playoffs. He is hell-bent on steering New York to the NBA Finals after falling short last year against the Indiana Pacers.

He badly outplayed James Harden, who had 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field, including 1-of-8 from long distance. He had six turnovers.

Brunson is a man on a mission, and Johnson knows it.

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