Jalen Brunson's performance in the New York Knicks' first-round series win over the Philadelphia 76ers was extraordinary.
He averaged an impressive 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, showcasing his exceptional footwork and all-around craftiness.
Setting The Rules Of Engagement:
Brunson does a wonderful job setting the rules of engagement during offensive possessions by moving as a rhythm team with the basketball.
Rhythm Team = Ball and Hips are always in Sync when POWER is loaded and not loaded.
Moving as a rhythm team with the basketball allows Brunson to quickly access Core 3 Changes and not allow defenders to speed him up. This keeps him in the power seat of dictating the pace during the possession, not the defender.
This edit dives into how Brunson uses Skip footwork at the point of attack to create advantages and "wrong" foot finishes around the rim to prevent bigger/more athletic shot blockers from getting their timing correct on him.
This edit contains ten clips (5 Skip Starts / 5 "Wrong" Foot Finishes):
00:45 -2:35 - (3i)(PnR) Shot
2:35 - 4:48 - (3i)(PnR) Finish
4:48 - 6:44 - (ISO) Pull Up Jumper
6:44 - 8:46 - (2i)(DHO) Step Back Jumper
8:46 - 10:13 - (WIMS) Catch & Shoot
10:13 - 13:14 - Downhill Attack into "Wrong" Foot Finish (2)
13:14 - 18:10 - Cross Step Pick Up into "Wrong" Foot Finish (3)
Jalen Brunson's Footwork Masterclass vs. The 76ers.