Asked if he had properly learned to hate Miami yet as part of the famed Knicks-Heat rivalry, Jalen Brunson replied to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, “Definitely.”
Brunson and the Knicks were ousted by the Heat in the second round of last year’s playoffs despite being a betting favorite with home-court advantage in the series.
Brunson is obviously aware of the rivalry’s storied history, but did say he respects the Heat ahead of their Saturday 3 p.m. matchup at Madison Square Garden.
“I have so much respect for them, all the players over there, the coaching staff,” Brunson admitted in an ESPN interview Friday. “But when we go up head-to-head, we’re ready to get after it. Losing to them last year definitely didn’t sit well.”
Brunson’s omission from the All-Star starters was noticed after they were announced Thursday.
Despite leading the Knicks to a 28-17 record, fourth place in the Eastern Conference and averaging 26.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds — all career highs — Brunson was left out of the All-Star starting lineup, though he can still get in as a reserve.
Starting for the Eastern Conference will be Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum in the frontcourt, and Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard in the backcourt.
“Truly, I just don’t care,” Brunson said of not getting noticed on an All-Star level despite playing in New York. “I was always looked over. … I don’t really worry about what people say. I just gotta go out there and just continue to prove myself right, that I belong.”
When asked if he reached a level that even he didn’t think he’d get to, Brunson replied, “I’ve always dreamt of being able to lead a team, lead a franchise, being able to do things on winning teams.
“I didn’t think it’d be like this. In this city, this organization, my dad [Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson] on the bench. He’s always around. Former [Villanova] teammates with me. To say I thought this was gonna happen, I’d be lying to you.”
The Heat, who are on a five-game losing streak, are 24-21 and entered Friday seventh in the Eastern Conference.
In their only meeting this season, the Knicks won 100-98 on Nov. 24 as part of the In-Season Tournament, outscoring Miami 29-11 in the fourth quarter to rally from a 21-point deficit.