Karl-Anthony Towns Reacts to Jalen Brunson's Clutch Game 1 Performance
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson lived up to his nickname "Captain Clutch" in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Brunson stepped up when it mattered the most and had 13 points in the fourth quarter, as he finished with 30 points to lead the Knicks to a 105-95 victory.
Brunson's performance kept the Knicks' postseason win streak alive, and the team has now won 12 straight games. The star guard struggled to make shots in the first three quarters and even had to leave the game due to an injury scare in the first quarter. Fortunately for New York, Brunson recovered from it and played the rest of the game.
Jalen Brunson's Fourth-Quarter Takeover Gets Praise From Karl-Anthony Towns
Just like the fans, Karl-Anthony Towns was amazed by what Brunson did in the fourth quarter. During his postgame interview, he had high praise for the star point guard, especially after he came back from an injury scare.
"When the ball is in his hands, I'm never surprised," Towns said.
"When the ball is in his hands, I'm never surprised."
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
KAT on Jalen Brunson, aka "Captain Clutch," and his late-game heroics en route to NYK's Game 1 win!
JB in 4Q: 13 PTS, 5-9 FGM https://t.co/sdoQ9qo5CEpic.twitter.com/xHdOkrfoHF
KAT also spoke about his thoughts on Brunson's injury scare when he had to head back to the locker room.
"When we all saw him limp off, obviously, we were all worried. Not only because he's Jalen Brunson, but more because he's our brother, and we're a family in our locker room. Just worried about his health."
Towns said that he was relieved when he saw Brunson return to the bench. Ultimately, he said that all the Knicks care about is his health and safety as they try to win the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Head coach Mike Brown told reporters after the game that the Knicks put their full trust in Brunson in the fourth quarter.
"He's a gamer, man. In the biggest moments, he shows up. That's what MVPs are supposed to do. We put the ball in his hands and said we were going to live and die with him, and he got it done," Brown said.
Brunson has been one of the best fourth-quarter performers in the 2026 playoffs. According to the Underdog NBA, the Knicks star has a total of 105 points in the final period this postseason. He's also an efficient scorer when the team needs him the most.
The NBA star has shot 59% from the field, 62% from the 3-point arc and 93% of his free throws.
Related: Jalen Brunson Seen Airing Grievances to Scott Foster Following Game 1 Victory Against Spurs
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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 10:46 PM.