Jalen Brunson has proven Bill Simmons’ 2022 predictions are wrong with his sensational Game 4 performance with the Boston Celtics.
The New York Knicks pushed the Boston Celtics to the brink of elimination following a fierce Game 4 fight between them.
After the dust settled, the Knicks left their longtime Eastern Conference rivals in a 121-113 victory.
The Knicks are currently leading the Celtics 3-1, with superstar guard Jalen Branson deserving a great credit to his hero in the fourth game of the series.
Most nights, Branson is definitely the best player on the Knicks court. The biggest skill of the 2x NBA All-Star is his insane scoring ability.
However, when Branson signed the Knicks ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season, many doubted the team’s decision. This included veteran NBA analyst Bill Simmons.
“All the great things about him are like you want him in the playoff series. He’s a great, sophisticated metric guy. If Knicks fans go to these games, I think it’s because it’s a pretty sophisticated fan base.
“If they go to the game, then ‘Man, Jalen Branson, there’s only six at halftime.
He added: “He’s going to play such a game. He’s not going to be “come to see Jalen Brunson because he’s got 38 against the wizard.” “He’s not such a man. ”
Well, if there is a Hall of Fame for Aging, Simmons’ statement certainly deserves to be led by it.
Even if we put aside the fact that Branson has scored at least 24.0 points per game since joining the Knicks, just looking at his Game 4 stats is enough to prove Simmons wrong.
According to data provided by Sofa Scole, Branson was off with 39 points, five rebounds and 12 assists in 40 minutes of playing time with the Celtics in Game 4.
He did so while shooting 56.0% from the field and 50.0% from the three-point line. If that’s not the superstar the Knicks need, who is it?
It’s time for Simmons to admit his mistake and offer an apology to Branson as the 28-year-old is at the height of his career and could lead them to the NBA championship at the end of the season.