The New York Knicks have been one of the most interesting narratives in the NBA this year. They are trying to stay in the hunt in a tough playoff race. The 29-year-old point guard has been key to this effort. Jalen Brunson recently looked back on an incident that occurred well before the Knicks’ run and helped make him the player he is today.
Brunson’s relationship with future Hall of Famers has been silent but impactful. One memory etched deep came not in a playoff arena, but in a college gym. It speaks more about respect than highlight reels.
How Chris Paul Made Time for Brunson’s Final Four
Jalen Brunson opened up about a moment from 2018, when he was starring at Villanova and vying for a national title in the Final Four in San Antonio. Brunson’s Wildcats were preparing for one of the biggest games of his life at the time. Chris Paul, then with the Houston Rockets, was involved in an NBA playoff push.
Brunson explained the scene how Paul didn’t have to come, yet did anyway.
“2018 we were in the final 4 in San Antonio and he was playing with Houston. I remember him and little Chris drove to San Antonio for my final 4 game. He came to the game, I think they sat near or with my dad for the game. I saw him after the game, he is in the midst getting ready for the playoffs, like it’s April getting ready for th playoffs for a playoff push and then he comes to the final 4 for one of the games and So, that’s my favorite moment cuz he didn’t have to do that. That was special for me because he was one of my, I guess I can say this now. He finally retired. I never really give him props, but definitely one of my favorite players to watch and learn from.”
Jalen Brunson telling a story about Chris Paul coming to his final 4 game in college
“2018 we were in the final 4 in San Antonio and he was playing with Houston. I remember him and little Chris drove to San Antonio for my final 4 game. He came to the game, I think they sat near… pic.twitter.com/yIG2KEkPiZ
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 20, 2026
Chris Paul chose loyalty over convenience. Paul was minutes away from critical playoff games and long flight logistics. Still, he made the time. Brunson saw him in the stands. With his dad. Quiet and supportive.
That moment wasn’t about seats or selfies. It was about respect between a rising star and an elite veteran. Brunson, who’s now a 3× All-Star, called Paul one of his favorites to watch and learn from. He also admitted he never really publicly gave that respect until now.
That story also adds depth to Brunson’s professional mindset. He is a captain, and he recalls how the greats treated him while he was still proving himself.
Brunson also sparked conversation with a comment on his future and finances off the court. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he openly referenced sacrifice and wanting the Knicks to “do right by me.” That candid take, while premature, underscores his growing voice in contract and legacy conversations.
Brunson continues to stitch together the past and present. Stories like the Chris Paul Final Four visit reveal the roots of his grind, one that’s now on full NBA display.
