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Jalen Brunson says the discipline people associate with Kobe Bryant is rooted in more than admiration. For the New York Knicks guard, it also reflects the way he was raised and the habits that helped turn him into one of the NBA’s most reliable leaders.

“I think the way I carry myself and way I do things, it’s a credit to how I was raised by my parents. But also part of their philosophy steeps into the Mamba mentality as well. So there’s a connectivity there. I do my best to stay present in the moment and do everything I can to make sure my mind is right. Be mentally and physically ready everyday. Trusting my work. It’s what’s gotten me here. So there’s connectivity about it,” Brunson said.

The comment fits the player Brunson has become in New York. He finished the 2025-26 regular season averaging 26.0 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 74 games, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 84.1% at the line.

Brunson’s production carried into the postseason, where he lifted the Knicks through a deep playoff run. Through 16 games, he averaged 26.6 points and 6.3 assists while continuing to carry the offensive load in high-pressure possessions.

That mindset matters for a Knicks team built around tough shot-making, physical defense and late-game execution. Brunson is not the biggest guard on the floor, but his approach has consistently helped New York stay organized when games slow down and possessions become more demanding.

His connection to Bryant’s standard is also easy to understand in basketball terms. The “Mamba mentality” is often described through work ethic, preparation and consistency, and those traits are exactly what Brunson’s game has demanded since he became a full-time focal point.

The Knicks have leaned heavily on that steadiness throughout the season. With Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart alongside him, Brunson’s willingness to stay present and trust his work has helped give New York a clear identity on both ends.