Nike Shares 8-Word Reaction to Jalen Brunson After Knicks' Comeback Win

After steamrolling through the competition in seven games, the New York Knicks looked like they might lose their first 2026 NBA Playoffs game in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night.

Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated parts of the second half, building a 22-point lead that might be insurmountable for many teams and players, but not for Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.

After Cleveland outscored them 67-46 in the second and third quarters combined, New York turned up the intensity in the fourth quarter to keep chipping into the Cavs’ lead, and eventually tied the game, forcing overtime.

Much of the shotmaking and playmaking brilliance was a credit to Brunson. The three-time NBA All-Star propelled his team to the win behind a 38-point night featuring clutch shots, including his one three-pointer of the night as they cut down the Cavs’ lead.

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And Nike took notice, sending out an eight-word statement about Brunson after seeing his scorching hot performance to lead the Knicks to victory.

“Get close to the Brunson Burner. Get burned,” the popular shoe, apparel, and sports equipment maker shared on X.

That may have some wondering why Brunson doesn’t have his own Brunson line of shoes with the company. However, he’s previously indicated that he doesn’t want a signature Nike and prefers to wear the Kobe 6 line during his NBA career.

Earlier this month, he debuted the Kobe 6 PE “Knightfall Vader,” sharing a carousel post on Instagram to his 1.1 million followers, many of whom seemed to love what they saw.

And Knicks fans certainly loved what they saw on Monday night, whether in person at the Garden or watching on television. New York continues to look like a team on a mission to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs, featuring David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

There could be a rematch brewing of that Finals from over 25 years ago, as the Spurs also hold a 1-0 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. However, both of these series are far from over.

New York attempts to build to a 2-0 lead when they’re back on the court at MSG with the Cavaliers for Game 2 on Thursday night.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 7:36 AM.