The New York Knicks have officially advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after an impressive 4-2 series win over the Boston Celtics. With a commanding Game 6 performance, Jalen Brunson led his team past the favored Celtics and into a highly anticipated matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
As soon as the Knicks secured their spot in the Conference Finals, a throwback WWE moment from a year ago started going viral again. During a WWE event, Jalen Brunson and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton crossed paths in the ring. The two were caught on camera trash-talking each other, with Brunson even famously threatening Haliburton with a steel chair.
WWE WROTE THE SCRIPT: One year ago, Jalen Brunson & Tyrese Haliburton met in the WWE ring & Brunson threatened Haliburton with a chair! 😂😳
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 17, 2025
Now, they meet in the Eastern Conference Finals! pic.twitter.com/u28yirortY
Now, that same rivalry is set to play out on the hardwood in the Eastern Conference Finals. Stunningly, it turned a staged wrestling moment into a real-life basketball showdown with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.
Jalen Brunson Reflects On Knicks History And Family Connection
The Knicks haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since the year 2000. Jalen Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, was on that Knicks team and now serves as an assistant coach on the current squad. After the Game 6 win, Jalen reflected on the full-circle moment.
“We haven’t been here since my dad played or was on the team. He’s not gonna like that,” Jalen said.
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Brunson delivered another standout performance in the closeout game. He posted 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 8-of-14 shooting, finishing with a +30 plus-minus rating. It will be his second trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in his career, and this one comes with a special twist.
