Shaquille O’Neal admits he underestimated Jalen Brunson after the Knicks star led New York to a Game 1 NBA Finals victory over the Spurs.

Jalen Brunson has spent the entire 2026 postseason proving doubters wrong. After another masterful performance in the New York Knicks’ 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he added one more notable name to the growing list of believers: Shaquille O’Neal.

The Hall of Fame center and longtime NBA analyst openly admitted he underestimated Brunson entering the series. Facing one of the league’s toughest defensive teams on the biggest stage of his career, Brunson responded with the type of performance that continues to strengthen his reputation as one of basketball’s premier playoff performers.

By the final buzzer, O’Neal was no longer questioning whether Brunson could handle the pressure of the NBA Finals. Instead, he was praising the Knicks star for embracing it.

Brunson Answers Every Question on Basketball’s Biggest Stage

Heading into Game 1, much of the attention centered around Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s defensive versatility.

The Spurs possess multiple elite perimeter defenders capable of throwing different looks at opposing guards, and many analysts expected Brunson to face one of his toughest challenges of the postseason.

For stretches of the game, that prediction appeared accurate. Brunson struggled with efficiency early and was forced to work for nearly every scoring opportunity. He also briefly exited after a knee scare that raised concerns throughout the Knicks organization.

Yet as he has done repeatedly throughout New York’s playoff run, Brunson remained composed.

Rather than forcing the action, he patiently waited for the game to come to him. His leadership became increasingly evident as the contest progressed, particularly during a critical third-quarter stretch when the Knicks began climbing back from a 14-point deficit.

By the fourth quarter, Brunson had completely seized control.

He finished with 30 points and delivered the decisive plays that helped New York close the game on an 11-0 run, turning a difficult road matchup into a statement victory.

For O’Neal, that performance eliminated any lingering doubts.

The Knicks’ Leader Is Building a Championship Legacy

Brunson’s rise from respected guard to legitimate NBA superstar has been one of the defining stories of this postseason.

While his scoring ability has always been evident, what continues to impress observers is his command of the moment. The bigger the stage becomes, the more comfortable he appears.

Against San Antonio, his influence extended far beyond the box score. He controlled tempo, organized the offense and inspired confidence throughout the roster. The Knicks never looked rattled despite trailing for much of the evening, a reflection of the calm leadership Brunson provides.

That impact has transformed New York into a genuine championship contender.

The Knicks now hold a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals and have won 12 consecutive playoff games. Along the way, Brunson has consistently delivered in clutch situations, adding another memorable chapter to what is already becoming one of the most celebrated postseason runs in franchise history.

O’Neal’s praise reflects a broader shift happening around the league.

What began as admiration for Brunson’s toughness and skill is evolving into recognition of his ability to elevate a team on the biggest stage. Every comeback victory, every fourth-quarter takeover and every postseason masterpiece adds another layer to his growing legacy.

Game 1 may have been only the opening act of the NBA Finals, but it was enough to convince one of basketball’s most recognizable voices that Brunson belongs among the game’s brightest stars.

If he continues performing at this level, he may soon leave no room for debate.

Stephen A. Smith believes he deserves credit for the New York Knicks’ remarkable playoff surge. The ESPN analyst jokingly linked his criticism of the team to their run to the 2026 NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks are preparing for their biggest moment in a generation, but one of the franchise’s most recognizable supporters believes he deserves a small piece of the credit for helping them get there.

As the Knicks get set to face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, longtime ESPN personality and devoted New York fan Stephen A. Smith has inserted himself into the conversation with a humorous yet memorable claim. According to Smith, the turning point in the Knicks’ postseason dominance may have begun the moment he publicly challenged the team during the regular season.

The outspoken analyst, known for his passionate commentary and unwavering support of New York basketball, reflected on his previous criticism of the team while appearing on First Take. With the Knicks now riding a lengthy winning streak and standing just four victories away from a championship, Smith jokingly suggested that his harsh words may have provided the wake-up call the team needed.

While the remark was delivered with his trademark flair, it quickly became a talking point among Knicks fans eager to celebrate everything surrounding the franchise’s return to the league’s biggest stage.

Stephen A. Smith Jokes About His Influence on New York’s Turnaround

Few media figures have experienced the highs and lows of Knicks basketball quite like Stephen A. Smith.

For years, he has passionately defended the franchise while also holding it accountable when performances failed to meet expectations. Earlier this season, Smith was among the loudest critics of New York during a stretch in which the team struggled to consistently play at the level many expected.

Looking back, he humorously connected that criticism to the team’s current success.

Smith joked that after he publicly called out the Knicks, the team suddenly transformed into an unstoppable force. While nobody seriously believes his comments were responsible for New York’s resurgence, the playful claim reflects the excitement surrounding a fan base that has waited decades for a return to the Finals.

His reaction also highlights the emotional investment many Knicks supporters have in this playoff run. For a generation of fans, reaching the NBA Finals seemed more like a dream than a realistic expectation. Now, with the franchise on the verge of history, even the most passionate observers are enjoying the ride.

The confidence and swagger displayed by Smith mirror the growing belief throughout New York that this team has a legitimate chance to finish the job.

Knicks Enter the NBA Finals Fueled by Confidence and Momentum

Regardless of who receives credit, the Knicks have earned their place in the Finals through dominant basketball.

After navigating a challenging regular season, New York has looked nearly unbeatable throughout the postseason. Consecutive sweeps of the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers showcased a team operating at an elite level on both ends of the floor.

Led by Jalen Brunson’s leadership, Karl-Anthony Towns’ versatility, and a defensive identity established by head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have developed into one of the most complete teams remaining in the playoffs.

Their extended winning streak has generated enormous momentum heading into the championship series against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. More importantly, New York appears determined to avoid the complacency that can sometimes accompany a long-awaited Finals appearance.

Players have repeatedly emphasized that reaching this stage is not the ultimate goal. Winning a title remains the mission.

That mindset has become one of the defining characteristics of this Knicks squad. While fans, media members, and even celebrities continue celebrating the team’s historic achievement, the players remain focused on the opportunity directly in front of them.

As Game 1 approaches in San Antonio, Stephen A. Smith’s playful comments provide a reminder of how much this Finals run means to New York. Whether or not his criticism had any impact, one thing is undeniable: the Knicks are back on the NBA’s biggest stage, and the entire basketball world is paying attention.

For a franchise that has spent 26 years waiting for this opportunity, the next chapter could become the most memorable of all.

NBA legend Charles Barkley believes the New York Knicks will defeat the San Antonio Spurs in six games, citing their dominant playoff performances and championship-level form.

The stage is set for one of the most intriguing NBA Finals matchups in recent memory. The San Antonio Spurs, powered by generational superstar Victor Wembanyama, will face a surging New York Knicks team that has captured the imagination of basketball fans across the league.

While many analysts continue to favor San Antonio entering the championship series, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is firmly backing New York. In fact, Barkley is not merely predicting a Knicks victory—he believes they will finish the job in convincing fashion.

His confidence stems from what he has witnessed throughout the postseason: a team that has not simply won games but has consistently imposed its will on opponents.

Barkley Sees New York as the NBA’s Hottest Team

Speaking ahead of the Finals, Barkley made it clear that he views the Knicks as the most impressive team of the entire postseason.

While San Antonio survived a grueling seven-game battle against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, New York has largely overwhelmed its competition. After briefly facing adversity in the opening round, the Knicks found another gear and never looked back.

The team swept through the Eastern Conference Finals, dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers and extending a remarkable winning streak that transformed them from contenders into legitimate title favorites in the eyes of some observers.

According to Barkley, New York’s dominance has been impossible to ignore. Rather than escaping with narrow victories, the Knicks have consistently controlled games, winning through physical defense, disciplined execution and elite shot-making.

That level of authority is one of the primary reasons he believes the series will end in six games.

Why the Knicks Believe a Championship Is Within Reach

The Knicks enter the Finals with a confidence built on results. Jalen Brunson has elevated his game once again, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s premier playoff performers. Around him, New York has received major contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and a supporting cast that has embraced its role throughout the postseason.

What makes this Knicks team especially dangerous is its balance. Opponents cannot focus solely on Brunson because New York possesses multiple scoring threats and several versatile defenders capable of changing the flow of a game.

At the same time, the challenge presented by San Antonio remains enormous. Wembanyama has been sensational throughout the playoffs, showcasing the rare combination of scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking and perimeter skill that has already made him one of the league’s most dominant forces.

For the Spurs, he represents the centerpiece of a franchise attempting to secure another championship and establish a new dynasty.

Yet Barkley believes New York’s collective strength gives it the edge. While San Antonio may possess the most impactful individual player in the series, the Knicks have demonstrated exceptional chemistry, depth and consistency during their postseason run.

The Finals will ultimately determine whether Barkley’s confidence is justified. The Spurs enter as betting favorites and carry the momentum of surviving the Western Conference gauntlet. The Knicks, however, arrive with something equally valuable: the belief that they have been the best team in basketball for weeks.

If Barkley’s prediction proves accurate, New York will celebrate its first NBA championship since 1973 and complete one of the most memorable playoff runs in franchise history.

For now, the debate continues. But one thing is certain: one of the NBA’s most outspoken voices has made his choice, and he is betting on the Knicks to finish the job.