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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and Team Knicks reacts after a shot during the Kia Shooting Stars during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
The NBA All-Star Game was much more competitive than it has been in the last few years. Instead of players only moving at half-speed and not trying, there was a greater effort given. That includes New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson.
Brunson certainly made sure he gave a higher level of effort than previous participants had. The entire field played with an effort that actually made the game fun to watch. Victor Wembanyama was the one who led the charge, warning everyone that he was going to try hard.
After the game, Brunson praised Wembanyama for taking the lead when it comes to getting the players to play more competitively.
GettySan Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama looks on. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Knicks Guard Jalen Brunson Gives Props to Victor Wembanyama
Brunson made sure to give credit to Wembanyama for leading the charge.
“I mean, yeah. I think Wemby’s a leader. The way he carries himself is fantastic for this game. I think he’s done a great job, and you see what his impact is on and off the court around this game. He’s just doing what he does.”
Fans certainly enjoyed what they watched for the first time in a while. It was a game that players actually tried to win, which was all teh fans were asking for. Instead of players worrying about not getting hurt, they were able to give the fans the show they wanted.
Wembanyama has been a breath of fresh air for a lot of the NBA. He is very competitive, and he wants to try as hard as he can every time he’s on the court. Brunson respects that, and that’s how the Knicks play during the regular season. New York is a team that prides itself on hard work and effort.
GettyNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson runs down the court. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks Are still Contenders to Win the East
With the All-Star game finished, the Knicks are now focused on winning the Eastern Conference. They still believe they can make the Finals. The Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. New York has the third-best offense in the league.
If the Knicks are able to make their defense better, they have a real shot to make it out of the East. That’s one of the reasons why they added Jose Alverado at the trade deadline. His ability to harass point guards is something they didn’t really have on the roster.
As long as New York can stay healthy, the offense is still going to be one of the most dangerous ones in the NBA. Improving the defense is going to be necessary in order for them to win a title, but they are more focused on winning the Eastern Conference first.
Brunson is the best player on the roster. As long as he is healthy, the Knicks have a shot to compete in the playoffs. He will likely make many more All-Star teams over the next few years.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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