What happened: Jalen Brunson led New York to its first NBA championship in 53 years in June. He added a third 25-plus-point scoring season, matching Bob McAdoo and Carmelo Anthony for the most in Knicks history.
Why it matters: His 45-point Finals closeout in June showed the postseason peak behind the regular-season scoring standard. Sustaining that output is the starting point for the 2026-27 repeat bid.
By the numbers: 3: 25-plus PPG seasons for Brunson, tied with McAdoo and Anthony for most in Knicks history. 45: points in the June Finals closeout. 53: years between Knicks championships.
What to watch: New York opens its title defense against Philadelphia on a Tuesday in October.