Jalen Brunson not buying into narrative of Knicks being East team to beat in playoffs: ‘I don’t care’
The New York Knicks have advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, defeating the Hawks in a dominant performance. With the Celtics eliminated and other top Eastern Conference teams struggling, the Knicks are now seen as the team to beat in the East. Jalen Brunson dismissed the growing hype, saying he doesn't pay attention to narratives and remains focused on the next game.
- ▪The Knicks defeated the Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
- ▪The Boston Celtics were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7, clearing a path for the Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
- ▪Jalen Brunson stated he hasn't heard and doesn't care about the narrative that the Knicks are the team to beat.
- ▪Head coach Mike Brown compared the Knicks' resilience and team chemistry to past championship teams.
- ▪The Knicks will face the 76ers in the second round, with Joel Embiid returning from injury.
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NBA New York Knicks Jalen Brunson not buying into narrative of Knicks being East team to beat in playoffs: ‘I don’t care’ By Howie Kussoy Published May 2, 2026, 10:56 p.m. ET The top-seeded Pistons — one year removed from being eliminated by the Knicks — need to win a third consecutive elimination game to advance to the second round for the first time in 18 years. The Cavaliers — who haven’t been past the second round since LeBron James left Cleveland for the second time — are on the verge of underachieving again, needing to win Game 7 against the Raptors to keep their season alive.
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