Kevin Durant Wasn’t a Believer in the Knicks Until Game 5 of NBA Finals

Kevin Durant opened up on the New York Knicks' title run.

Kevin Durant Wasn’t a Believer in the Knicks Until Game 5 of NBA Finals

Kevin Durant on the New York Knicks (Image credits - NBA)

The New York Knicks’ recent title run turned Kevin Durant into a believer as well. During their playoff run, they clean swept the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals, respectively, before taking out the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals in five games.

It was a historic championship run for the Knicks as they won their first title since 1973. While it was their third championship overall, this title meant even more given their long drought.

The Knicks erased double-digit deficits in all five matchups against the Spurs. In Game 4, they pulled off the greatest single-game comeback in NBA Finals history as they erased a 29-point deficit.

Despite the comeback for the ages in Game 4, Durant wasn’t convinced about the Knicks until Game 5. They mounted a big comeback in Game 5 as well as they completed a 16-point second-half comeback in the second half.

During his conversation with Speedy Mormon, Durant shared his opinions about the Knicks during the Finals.

I didn’t become a believer, to be honest, until the last game. I was just like, the Spurs would be up 15 points every game, 29 points, and then they’d just come back and steal a game. That’s probably why that was the best championship as a viewer that I’ve ever seen.

Kevin Durant on Boardroom Talks

The Knicks pulled off some memorable comebacks during their postseason run last season. While the comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be in the history books, Durant was just as surprised as everyone else to see them as the last team standing.

Several people doubted the Knicks as legitimate title contenders last season. However, their performances forced everyone to change their minds, including Durant’s. His latest comments would have left Knicks fans even more bitter than before, as he took a subtle dig at them a couple of months ago after they won the championship.

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Kevin Durant on Jalen Brunson’s $100 million pay cut

Jalen Brunson has become a hero in New York. He was the team’s best player and leader, as he was named the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP last season. However, a couple of years ago, Brunson took a pay cut of $113 million. His decision was questioned by many but fast-forward to today, his decision has been rewarded with a championship.

When asked about Brunson’s pay cut, Kevin Durant admitted that he wouldn’t do it, but he won’t knock Brunson for taking one for the team.

I can’t put myself in that position and just say, ‘Yeah, I would have done it or not.’ For him to make that decision and come out the way it did, kudos to him. If you just throw that on the table and say, right now, make a choice, nobody would turn that down.

Kevin Durant on Boardroom Talks

Brunson has united the city of New York like never seen before after leading them to a championship. While he did take a big pay cut, he will have the opportunity to recoup that lost money in his next contract. He is expected to sign a huge contract next year after his current contract ends.

The Knicks did not waste the flexibility they had after Jalen Brunson’s pay cut

The New York Knicks signed Brunson in the summer of 2022. Two years later, he signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract. He could have earned $269 million over five years as he was eligible for a max contract.

Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

After saving a lot of money, the Knicks made some big moves with the flexibility they had. They signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million deal. The forward scored the game-winner in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

They also traded for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns after Brunson’s contract. Both players were instrumental to the team during their championship run.

The Knicks have retained their core players for the upcoming season. They will be looking to become the first team since Durant and the 2018 Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back championships. Meanwhile, Brunson is expected to sign a huge contract next year after his current one ends.

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