The New York Knicks are off to the Eastern Conference Finals once again after a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The presence of Villanova is felt each time the Knicks step on the floor and it has been enhanced in the postseason. The Wildcat trio got to advance on the floor at Xfinity Mobile Arena, where it won many games as Wells Fargo Center.
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So, it’s only right to reminisce about the great moments from these legendary careers — and we begin with Jalen Brunson.
In three years at Villanova, Brunson played in 116 games and made 115 starts. He averaged 14.4 points and 3.7 assists during a career that included two National Championships. In 2017-18, Brunson was named the Naismith Player of the Year after averaging 18.9 points while shooting 52.1% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range.
Brunson went on to become a second-round pick of the Dallas Mavericks before signing with the Knicks. In 2024, Brunson accepted a four-year, $156.5 million extension with New York, leaving $113 million on the table if he waited until the following year to sign his extension. Brunson opted to sign earlier and give the front office financial flexbility to keep the core together as it battles for an NBA title.
Brunson has turned into one of the best point guards in the NBA and Villanova fans are not surprised. Here are some of his best games during his Villanova career.
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5. November 23, 2017 – vs. Tennessee
Stats: 25 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 8-for-14 FG, 9-for-9 FT
Just because it is out-of-conference does not mean it is counted any less. This was a big early-season win for a Villanova team that entered with National Championship aspirations. In the first half, it did not look that way as Tennessee built a 12-point lead. The Wildcats stormed back with 51 points in the second half to run away from the Volunteers. Brunson controlled the ball all game and was able to get to the free throw line, where he hit all nine attempts. A come-from-behind 85-76 win set the tone for the road ahead and Brunson led the way with 25 points.
4. February 18, 2017 – at Seton Hall
Stats: 22 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 7-for-7 FG, 2-for-2 3PT, 6-for-7 FT
Seton Hall had no shot in this one as Villanova finished 67.3% from the field. Brunson was at the center of this 92-70 win as he missed just one shot from any level and it came at the free throw line. He scored 22 points on just seven shots — all makes — including two three’s. This was Brunson’s only double-double of his Villanova career adding 10 assists.
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3. December 31, 2016 – at Creighton
Stats: 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 10-for-14 FG, 5-for-7 3PT
The greatness of Brunson came out in big games. This early season Big East battle was as big as it got at the time as two 13-0 teams met in Omaha. Brunson made sure that the Wildcats stayed at the top of the conference by refusing to miss. He shot 71.4% from the field, knocked down five three’s, and led Villanova during a big second half after leading by one at halftime.
2. March 23, 2018 – Sweet 16 vs. West Virginia
Stats: 27 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 8-for-15 FG, 3-for-6 3PT, 8-for-9 FT
If there was a “scare” during the 2018 title run, this is probably the game by default. West Virginia played with Villanova for a majority, trailing by just two at halftime and leading in the second half. This left us with many memories from the game. The highlight might be the Omari Spellman dunk off a blocked shot on the other end but what cannot be forgotten is the clutch play of Brunson down the stretch. He led the Wildcats with 27 points and missed just one free throw. This 90-78 win is tied from the closest margin of victory from that tournament run.
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1. March 10, 2018 – Big East Championship vs. Providence
Stats: 31 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 8-for-14 FG, 4-for-9 3PT
Aside from the 2016 National Championship, this might have been the best game that Brunson was a part of. Going in, you just knew that this game was going to be a tough one for Villanova — and Providence had the ball in the final seconds with a chance to win it. Kyron Cartwright missed and the game went to overtime, where Brunson and Mikal Bridges took over. The corner three late is a moment that will stick and the same can be said about the Bridges three from the top of the key. It ended 16-6 in overtime and Villanova stayed kings of the Big East. This was the fifth straight win for the Wildcats and they would not lose again.
