Jalen Brunson channels Kobe Bryant with approach to Knicks 2-0 NBA Finals lead

There is a popular meme of Kobe Bryant from the 2009 NBA Finals.In a news conference, despite the Lakers ahead 2-0 in the series, he was asked why he wasn’t smiling.“What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished,” he famously replied.“Job finished? I don’t think so.”Jalen Brunson recreated that moment Sunday, as the Knicks prepared for Monday night’s Game 3 at the Garden up 2-0.“In my mind there’s nothing really to celebrate yet,” the Knicks captain said.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done.”Brunson has had complete focus throughout the postseason.When the Knicks clinched a spot in the Finals for the first time in 27 years, a video was posted of the team celebrating in the locker room.

Brunson was sitting on his own, a look of determination on his face instead of joy.He has refused to take promotional photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Asked about the excitement in the city, as the Knicks look to clinch their first title in 53 years, Brunson said he has refused to soak it in.He’s repeatedly told reporters he would look back at what this team accomplished when it’s over.

Not a second sooner.“I do my best to stay present in the moment, to do the things I can to make sure my mind is right,” said Brunson, the first player in NBA history to score the game-winning points in the final two minutes of consecutive Finals games.“Being mentally and physically ready every day.

Trusting my work.That’s what’s gotten me here.” Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.

Show the boys some love as they face off against the Spurs to take the championship.After 27 years, we’re back in the finals.

Immortalize this moment.No matter what happens from here, we made it, and nobody can take that away.

Bonkers feels like the only appropriate word to describe this season.When Game 2’s wild ending was brought up, Brunson looked at the...