The Miami Heat celebrated an Eastern Conference Finals berth on Friday night. The Heat knocked off the rival New York Knicks in six games to finish the Second Round series. Now the Heat are just four victories away from another NBA Finals appearance. A Conference Finals win would give the franchise its seventh appearance in the Finals. But in the celebration, coach Erik Spoelstra made sure to let his voice be heard regarding the Knicks’ star player, Jalen Brunson.
Brunson excelled in the NBA Playoffs this season despite the second-round exit. He has impressed many after dozens criticized the Knicks for signing him to a huge contract last off-season. So it wasn’t surprising to hear Spoelstra praise the former Villanova star after the series concluded.
Spo took the podium and made sure to praise Brunson. “How’s that dude not an All-Star or All-NBA?” Spoelstra asked the media. It’s a good question because Brunson played well during the regular season. Then Spo continued. “He should be on one of those teams. I wish he was still out west, but man, you’ve gotta respect him as a competitor.” Spoelstra likened him to players on the Heat and complimented the Knick star on his “iron will.”
“There’s something about these Villanova guys. They’re tough as they come as competitors,” Spoelstra said. “Don’t ever forget you were the first one,” he instructed former Wildcat star Kyle Lowry. “But Jalen’s taken that baton, for sure,” the Heat coach added. “He’s just an incredible competitor.”
Spoelstra does make a point about the Villanova players, as they all have strong basketball DNA and traits by the time they exit the program. Brunson is one of many, and he could reach a high level of superstardom. There’s no doubt that Erik Spoelstra is aware of it too.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022