Brunson Eases Tension with New Teammate

NEW YORK — Jalen Brunson helped diffuse any awkwardness when Cameron Payne joined the New York Knicks last summer. During their first pickup game at the team’s practice facility, Payne was meeting members of the Knicks for the first time since their playoff encounter just months before.

Remarkably relaxed, Payne recounted, “I just played y’all. I just got into it with y’all,” indicating an underlying tension. While playing for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, he had been a thorn in the Knicks’ side, especially for Brunson. To address the unspoken tension, Brunson approached Payne to introduce himself.

Brunson humorously broke the ice: “I f—ing hated you,” he said with a straight face. Payne laughed, and the tension dissipated. Brunson then affirmed, “But I know you’re gonna bring it. So, I like you with us.” As the Knicks entered the playoffs, it became clear that Brunson appreciated having Payne on his side more than ever.

In a recent playoff game, the duo delivered an impressive performance, contributing to a remarkable 21-0 run in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 123-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks, who started off trailing, saw Brunson and Payne spark an incredible momentum shift.

Payne’s impressive fourth-quarter performance included scoring 11 of his 14 points in just 15 minutes off the bench. He recalled the challenge of playing against the loud Madison Square Garden crowd in the previous season: “Last year on the opposing side, it was tough. But being on the flip side, it felt good.” His energy invigorated the Knicks, effectively shifting the game’s momentum.

From the moment he re-entered the game, Payne elevated the team’s spirit. A sequence of events that lead to a five-second violation for the Pistons showcased his defensive hustle. Throughout the final period, he relentlessly defended against Detroit’s sharpshooter Malik Beasley. With the duo of Payne and Brunson on the court, the pace quickened, with head coach Tom Thibodeau noting that “two point guards together injected some speed into the game.”

Payne’s journey to this point has been remarkable. A former lottery pick facing challenges in his career, he bonded with the Knicks and found his rhythm again. As he continues to thrive in the game, he shared with a smile, “I ain’t the most hated right now. It’s fun.” The Knicks and their fans are undoubtedly excited to have him on their side.