Shaquille O’Neal Praises Jalen Brunson’s 4th Qtr Takeover: “He’s Ready For the Big Lights”

Jalen Brunson just erased all doubt in Shaquille O’Neal’s mind after Game 1.

Shaquille O’Neal Praises Jalen Brunson’s 4th Qtr Takeover: “He’s Ready For the Big Lights”

Shaquille O'Neal on Jalen Brunson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Jalen Brunson stole the show for the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Just as he has done for the entire playoffs this year, he came up big when it mattered once again in his first-ever finals appearance.

After trailing by seven points at halftime, Brunson took over the game in the second half and helped the Knicks to a 105-95 victory over the Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. The win extended the Knicks’ winning streak to 12 games in the postseason. Their last defeat was against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the first round.

Former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal gave Brunson his flowers after his Game 1 performance.

I was anxious to see how he (Jalen Brunson) was going to do against those tough four defenders. He just showed me, Kenny and Chuck, that he’s ready for the lights. He’s ready for the big lights. In the third quarter and fourth quarter, he carried them a little bit, but the others for the Knicks definitely stepped up.

Shaquille O’Neal on Inside The NBA

Jalen Brunson has had his fair share of critics since joining the Knicks in 2022. Critics urged the Knicks to move on from the small guard if they ever want to win a championship. However, Brunson has shut down all the criticism with his performances in the playoffs this year.

The Knicks have gone through some ups and downs during the regular season, but their playoff performances have led many critics to change their minds and acknowledge them as title contenders. Brunson is a huge fan favorite in the city of New York, and Knicks fans will be hoping to see the 29-year-old lead them to their first championship since 1973.

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Jalen Brunson picked up from where he left off

It has been over a week since the Knicks knocked out the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. While the Knicks are well-rested, it was expected they would have some rust. It proved true when they started off slowly in the first half before Jalen Brunson took over the game.

The Knicks did have a slight advantage over the Spurs in the regular season. Although they were 1-1 in their two games, the Knicks came out on top in the 2025 NBA Cup Final. Brunson was the best player on the court that night, and he was so once again in Game 1.

After being named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Brunson was locked for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He led the scorers with a game-high 30 points. He lacked efficiency, shooting just 39% from the field, but he made some clutch baskets towards the end of the game.

Brunson did get a lot of help from his teammates as well. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 18 points, and OG Anunoby had 17. Landry Shamet contributed with 13 points off the bench. It was an all-round and complete performance from the Knicks on the road.

Jalen Brunson on coming up big in the clutch

Jalen Brunson has made his name for his clutch game over the past two years. He won the Clutch Player of the Year award in 2025. In Game 1, he scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter.

A rested Jalen Brunson will battle a tired Victor Wembanyama
Jalen Brunson taking on Victor Wembanyama (Image via LakeYoShow/X)

After the game, Brunson spoke about his teammates having the utmost confidence in him to take clutch shots down the stretch.

It starts with my confidence and work ethic. The trust they (teammates) have in me, the trust I have in them, it’s got us to this point. I’m very thankful for them. Every single night we go out there together.

Jalen Brunson in his post match press conference

The Knicks will be looking to extend their winning streak to 13 games. Game 2 is scheduled to take place on Friday night at the Frost Bank Center.

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