Stephen A. Smith praised Jalen Brunson, claiming he “saved the NBA” by leading the New York Knicks to victory in the 2026 NBA Finals, thus preventing a championship win by the San Antonio Spurs and their star, Victor Wembanyama. Smith argued that if the Spurs had won, teams would have prioritized height in their drafts to combat Wembanyama’s dominance. Brunson, who won Finals MVP with an average of 32.6 points per game, showcased the value of smaller guards, shifting the narrative in the league. The Knicks secured their first title in 53 years, while Wembanyama struggled in critical games, impacting the Spurs’ chances.
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Stephen A. Smith credits Jalen Brunson for NBA impact
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