Can the Knicks All-NBA Guard Figure Out His Shooting Woes Ahead of Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals?
The New York Knicks are one win away from capturing their first NBA championship in 53 years after completing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. Trailing the San Antonio Spurs by 29 points in Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals, New York appeared dead in the water before mounting a stunning second-half rally. An OG Anunoby tip-in with just seconds remaining gave the Knicks a 107-106 lead, while Josh Hart's relentless defense prevented Stephon Castle from getting a clean look on the final possession. The victory put the Knicks ahead 3-1 in the NBA Finals and moved them within reach of one of the most significant championships in NBA history.
While Anunoby delivered the game-winning basket, Jalen Brunson once again served as the engine that powered New York's comeback with 36 points. The 29-year-old has scored at least 30 points in three of the four NBA Finals games and has consistently delivered in clutch situations throughout the postseason. Despite years of criticism from analysts who questioned whether he could be the top option on a championship-caliber team, the Knicks captain has silenced many of those doubts by leading the Knicks to the brink of a title. However, one concern has followed the New Jersey native throughout the series: his field efficiency.
During the regular season, Brunson shot just under 47% from the field, a strong mark for a point guard who carries a heavy offensive workload. Through four games of the NBA Finals, that number has dipped below 40% as the Spurs have thrown multiple defensive looks at him. Castle has shadowed the All-NBA guard for much of the series, creating constant pressure whenever the Knicks bring the ball across half-court, and even Dylan Harper has had his chance to go at the veteran. At the same time, the matchup between Karl-Anthony Towns and Victor Wembanyama has become one of the defining storylines of the series. San Antonio's defense has been significantly more disciplined and physical than what New York faced against the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, or Cleveland Cavaliers during earlier rounds of the NBA Playoffs, forcing the six-foot-two point guard to work for nearly every shot. The Knicks eyed a 3-0 lead, but the Spurs' defense proved too much for New York in Game Three.
Even with those struggles, the former Dallas Maverick continues to impact winning at the highest level. His leadership and decision-making under pressure have helped the Knicks navigate countless crucial moments throughout the postseason. If the 2018 second-round pick can improve his shooting efficiency in Game Five, New York will have an excellent opportunity to close out the series on the road and lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy. A championship would further strengthen an already impressive resume that includes three NBA all-star selections, three All-NBA Team honors, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP Award, and the 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award. Regardless of what happens next, the three-time all-star has already cemented himself as the most important player in modern Knicks history, but one more victory could elevate him into the franchise's greatest of all time contention.
