Context:

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has made NBA history with his remarkable fourth-quarter performances in the playoffs, earning him the title of 'best closer in the game' by Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. Brunson has joined the elite company of Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry as one of only three players to score 75 or more points in the fourth quarter over the first seven games of a postseason run in the play-by-play era. His ability to average more than 10 points per fourth quarter, often accompanied by crucial assists, has been pivotal in the Knicks' playoff success. The Boston Celtics' inability to maintain large leads has allowed Brunson to capitalize and dominate during critical moments, posing a significant challenge for them in the series. The Knicks' strategic trades aimed at overcoming the Celtics have proven successful, highlighting Brunson's role as a key factor in their playoff achievements.

Dive Deeper:

• Jalen Brunson has been recognized as the 'best closer in the game' by Reggie Miller, reflecting his outstanding fourth-quarter performances in the NBA playoffs.

• Brunson's historic achievement places him alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry, as he is only the third player in the play-by-play era to score over 75 points in the fourth quarter during the first seven games of a postseason.

• His playoff heroics include averaging more than 10 points per fourth quarter, further amplified by his ability to contribute assists, showcasing his all-round impact on the game.

• The Boston Celtics' failure to sustain large leads has provided opportunities for Brunson to shine, enabling him to take over games in the final quarter and secure victories for the Knicks.

• The Knicks' targeted trades, designed to counter the Celtics, have been effective, underscoring Brunson's instrumental role in capitalizing on these strategic decisions during the playoffs.

• Reggie Miller, a Hall of Famer whose most notable NBA accomplishment was torching the New York Knicks in the final eight seconds of a famous fourth quarter, gave the Knicks some praise for their closing superstar.

• Miller, on TNT's playoff broadcast, called Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson the "best closer in the game."

• He's right, based at least on this one historic Brunson stat.

• There's only been 3 players to score 75+ 4th-quarter points through their first 7 games of a postseason run in the play-by-play era (1997-98).
  
  Jalen Brunson, 2025
  Steph Curry, 2023
  Kobe Bryant, 2008 https://t.co/dVUsqpJ72z pic.twitter.com/MTAEEzfxXs

• — NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025 MORE: Knicks earn highest praise from Celtics 2008 NBA champion

• Any time you can join an NBA list that previously only included Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry, that's pretty legendary.

• Brunson has been heroic throughout these playoffs. To average more than 10 points per fourth quarter is insane, especially when you consider that Brunson will usually have at least a couple assists in those stretches, too.

• Obviously, the Celtics never wanted to blow a 20-point lead. 

• But the costliest part was that it opened the door for Brunson. And when that guy gets an open door in the fourth quarter, he barges in, shoves out the occupants of the room and then slams the door shut in their face.

• Boston has to keep its big leads to win this series comfortably. Otherwise, Brunson might just mess things up again for the Celtics.

• MORE: Knicks' trades meant specifically to beat Celtics pay off