Jalen Brunson Leads Knicks' Surge with Fearless Approach

Knicks guard credits team unity and willingness to embrace failure for their recent success

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been a driving force behind the team's recent surge, leading them to an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. Brunson credits the team's unity and collective effort, as well as a fearless attitude towards failure, as key factors in their turnaround. After a players-only meeting Brunson initiated following a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks have found renewed focus and energy, positioning themselves well for a strong playoff push.

Why it matters

Brunson's leadership and mindset have been instrumental in the Knicks' success this season, as they look to secure a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. His willingness to confront the team and demand accountability, coupled with his own self-assurance and embrace of failure, have set the tone for the Knicks' resurgence.

The details

Following a 114-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson called a players-only meeting where he confronted the team about their lack of effort and focus. This sparked a renewed commitment from the Knicks, leading to an 8-game winning streak and a 35-20 record entering the All-Star break. Brunson has been the driving force, averaging 27.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field and 37.4% from 3-point range.

  • The Knicks' 8-game winning streak began after Brunson's players-only meeting following the loss to the Mavericks.
  • The Knicks enter the All-Star break with a 35-20 record, holding the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Jalen Brunson

A 27-year-old guard for the New York Knicks, Brunson has been an All-Star for the past three seasons since joining the team. He is leading the Knicks' surge with his scoring, playmaking, and leadership.

New York Knicks

The NBA franchise based in New York City, the Knicks have surged to a 35-20 record this season and are positioning themselves for a strong playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“It's either we do it, we care enough to do it, or we don't.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard (ESPN)

“I just wanted to kind of prove to myself this is where I'm supposed to be. No matter what happens, I'm not afraid to fail.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard (NBATV)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for a postseason push, with Jalen Brunson's leadership and fearless approach set to be crucial in their playoff run.

The takeaway

Jalen Brunson's willingness to confront his team, combined with his self-assurance and embrace of failure, have been instrumental in the Knicks' recent surge. This mindset has galvanized the team and positioned them well for a strong playoff effort, showcasing Brunson's value as a leader and the Knicks' potential to make a deep postseason run.