Jalen Brunson recently alleviated the worries of New York Knicks fans concerning the state of his hand following his WWE SmackDown appearance. Addressing fans’ fears, Brunson confirmed that his hand is in good shape despite having fractured it during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. He assured everyone that his participation in the wrestling event, a lifelong dream of his, did not aggravate his injury.
Brunson’s appearance on WWE SmackDown, held at Madison Square Garden, highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the Knicks and the Pacers. Fellow NBA player and wrestling enthusiast Tyrese Haliburton joined Brunson in the episode, playing the antagonist. During the show, Brunson and Haliburton engaged in a playful confrontation, which culminated in Brunson wielding a chair in the ring, though no actual fighting ensued.
Adding to the excitement, Brunson had the opportunity to meet WWE chairman Paul “Triple H” Levesque, performing his well-known three-point celebration for the crowd. This crossover between WWE and the NBA was a thrilling experience for both the players and the fans.
Reflecting on Brunson’s performance this past NBA season, it’s clear he had a breakout year. Playing in 77 games, he boasted averages of 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, with impressive shooting percentages of 47.9% from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc. His playoff performance was even more remarkable, averaging 32.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
Looking ahead, Brunson is poised to be a cornerstone for the Knicks. The team has made significant moves recently, including trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby to a max contract. With Julius Randle and a strong bench, the Knicks are positioned to be serious contenders for next year’s title and beyond, provided they can stay healthy.
