![Kobe Bryant [L] and Jalen Brunson [R]](https://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Kobe-Bryant-L-and-Jalen-Brunson-R-1024x563.jpg)
Despite never having the chance to face off against the late LA Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson has spoken candidly about Bryant’s profound impact on players and fans. Over the past two seasons, Brunson has emerged as the Knicks’ franchise player, leading them to consecutive second-round playoff appearances and earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selections.
In a recent NBA X/Twitter clip, Jalen Brunson spoke about Kobe Bryant’s lasting impact. Brunson reflected on Bryant’s influence, saying, “It’s just this aura of everything,” emphasizing how his consistent excellence on and off the court defined his legacy.
“Kobe can have a bad game and everyone’s just like still gonna think that he’s like the greatest. Like this is what he brought to the table every single night, what his mindset was and he allowed people to think that with his mindset you can achieve anything”, Brunson said.
Watching Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006, Jalen Brunson humorously noted he would “call timeout and tell coach to put someone else on him,” mentioning his limitations. Brunson recognized that Bryant’s great offense often surpasses exceptional defense.
Last season, Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, leading the Knicks.
How Did Kobe Bryant Fare Against the New York Knicks?
Kobe Bryant was notorious for lighting up the scoreboard against the New York Knicks. On February 2, 2009, Bryant delivered a memorable performance, scoring 61 points in the Lakers’ 126-117 win over the Knicks. This feat set a new record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden.
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Jalen Brunson’s respect for Bryant is well-founded, given Kobe’s track record of overcoming elite defenders. Fans still remember Bryant’s dramatic 2004 buzzer-beater against Ruben Patterson, known as the “Kobe Stopper.” Although Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs was among the toughest defenders, Bryant averaged 26.3 points per game against him, and the Spurs only defeated the Lakers once in the playoffs.
