It’s been 25 years since the New York Knicks met the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Back in 2000, Rick Brunson was on the roster with the same opponent. History is repeating, as in a twist of basketball fate, his son Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks back to that same stage, this time with his father on the bench beside him.
Their shared journey is more than their blood relation. Since arriving in New York together in 2022, Rick as an assistant coach and Jalen as a franchise agent, the Knicks have risen to contention.
Jalen became an All-Star and All-NBA guard, while Rick, a former player, contributes steadily with training. Their close bond is evident, but they maintain clear boundaries between their roles as father and coach.
“When we’re on the court, it’s strictly coach and player, but as soon as practice is over, as soon as the game’s over, it’s like father, son,” Jalen stated. (Vis- SI)
Rick Brunson Believes It’s Another Shot At History For Jalen Brunson
Rick Brunson coached high school basketball in New Jersey before joining Tom Thibodeau’s staff. Soon after, the Knicks signed his son, Jalen, to a significant four-year, $104 million contract. Since then, they have been pushing the team into the NBA’s upper tier. Their upcoming series against the Indiana Pacers, however, carries a personal weight despite all their teams’ progress.
“This was perfect timing,” Rick said to Jalen. “He was at a level where he was good enough. I think I was in a position where I felt comfortable, allowing him to be himself. But I don’t even think about it anymore.”
Like father, like son. pic.twitter.com/4z1r6uL1sb
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 20, 2025
The Knicks, enriched by Jalen’s leadership and playoff dominance, now face a Pacers team that mirrors their desperation. Tyrese Haliburton leads the Pacers squad that routed the Cleveland Cavaliers with significant dominance. But for the Brunsons, this is about more than matchups. It’s about concluding a narrative that started in 2000
“So many people have said to me, I could never have my dad coach me. I’m just like, this is like the coolest/greatest thing ever,” Jalen said.
The Knicks will host game 1 of the finals with 25 years of burden, but now the father-son duo is finally back together and one step away from rewriting the family and franchise history.
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