Much to everyone's surprise, the 2026 NBA Finals are off to a lopsided start. The New York Knicks have won the first two games on the road, putting them on the verge of winning the title with the series shifting to the Big Apple. And as people might have already expected, Jalen Brunson has been superb in Games 1 and 2, particularly in crunch time.
This season, 76ers fans constantly pushed the idea that Tyrese Maxey had already surpassed most guards in the East, including Brunson. Both players turned in similar numbers during the regular season, although Maxey was a more prolific scorer by a hair. However, if anything, it can be easily gleaned from this postseason that Maxey still has a long ways to go before he can firmly cement his case as the better player.
The talent gap between Brunson and Maxey is definitely not a major one, but what separates them is their ability to manipulate the game with a consistent flow. Maxey is someone who looks to burst and explode his way into high-scoring games, but Brunson is a more steady operator who aims to throw a lot of punches and keep the defense in constant panic with his build-up.
The next step for Tyrese Maxey can be seen in Jalen Brunson
This season, the 76ers have seemingly operated under different dynamics depending on who is available to play. The same has been mirrored in the way Maxey has performed. There is no doubt that he turned in his best season yet, but during the playoffs, his deferential tendencies have grown evident, especially during their semis series against the Knicks.
Of course, with someone like Joel Embiid around him, Maxey is always going to have him on his mind as a release valve. The same does not apply to Brunson, who is the clear alpha in New York. Be that as it may, Maxey tends to be a tad mercurial in his approach. He can disappear in stretches and go off in spurts all in the same quarter. Opposing defenses can keep him at bay more easily because his presence cannot be felt in each possession.
Obviously, those observations seem to be hashed out by someone from the peanut gallery. but these minute details can make a world of difference. Jalen Brunson, despite the Spurs guarding him impeccably well, has remained undeterred for the most part, and his steady hand has catapulted the Knicks into just being two wins away from winning the championship.
