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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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Jalen Brunson helped the New York Knicks secure the franchise's first NBA title since 1973 — in more ways than one.
Brunson scored 45 points in the Knicks' closeout Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The All-Star point guard averaged an astounding 32.6 points per game in the championship series, earning Finals MVP honors for New York's 4-1 triumph.
Brunson's contributions extend off the court as well.
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Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the Knicks in 2022 — taking a serious pay cut. He left approximately $113 million on the table, giving the franchise salary cap flexibility instead of holding out for a projected $269 million max deal.
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During a sit-down interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews after Game 5, Brunson was asked if this pay cut was worth it.
"100% worth it," Brunson replied.
"Even if we didn't achieve this, I feel like being able to do that and grind and go on a journey to try to achieve it would have been worth it as well," Brunson added. "But this is definitely the cherry on top."
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Brunson will earn a salary of $40.5 million in 2027-28. He has a player option worth $43.3 million in 2028-29.
Brunson's 45 points in Game 5 mark the most by any player in Knicks NBA Finals history, surpassing the previous mark of 38 set by Willis Reed in 1970.
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