Brunson’s return to Dallas showed why he’s had big jumps in his career

If anyone knows Jalen Brunson best, it’s probably New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

Brunson’s dad – Rick Brunson – was an assistant coach on Thibodeau’s staff with the Chicago Bulls from 2010-12, an assistant on his staff with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2016-18 and has been on his staff with the Knicks since 2022. And every now and then, Rick used to take Jalen to practice with him.

It’s as if Thibodeau is a part of the Brunson family.

“I watched (Jalen) as a young guy, and when you see a young kid you have no idea whether he’s going to be a pro or not,” Thibodeau said. “But just following his career, it’s really been who he is his whole life.

“Each year in high school there was a big jump. Each year in college there was a big jump, and then each year in the pros. I think that’s his makeup.”

After playing four seasons for the Mavericks from 2018-22, Brunson jumped to the East Coast after signing a free agent contract with the Knicks in the summer of 2022. And the Mavs’ fans gave him a warm ovation when he was introduced prior to Thursday’s Mavs-Knicks game at American Airlines Center.

“He’s a competitor,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s not afraid of the stage, he’s not afraid of the moment. He’s a leader. He’s an All-Star.

“He’s everything that you want, and he’s getting better.” He’s a guy that you want on your side because he’s not afraid of the moment. And he’s a winner.”

Actually, Brunson hasn’t made any NBA All-Star teams just yet. But he’s definitely trending in that direction.

“He’s never satisfied,” Thibodeau said. “He’s hungry. He’s a student of the game and has great drive.

“His brain is probably his most valuable asset. His competitiveness, all those things that drive achievement and improvement — that’s part of his makeup.”

Thursday was the first time Brunson played against the Mavs at AAC. He sat out last year’s contest in Dallas with a hip injury. That’s the game the Mavs trailed by nine points with 33 seconds left, but eventually won, 126-121, in overtime as Luka Dončić collected 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists.

On Thursday, Brunson rolled up 30 points and eight assists to remind Mavs’ fans of the good old days.

Brunson’s former teammates were happy to be on the floor with him, mainly because he was a down to earth man who could really ball.

“It feels like a long time ago he was here, but he’s a good guy,” Josh Green said. “It’s always cool to go against a competitor like that. I learned a lot from him when he was here. He took working out very seriously, (and he) always came back at nighttime.

“I was able to follow his routine and what he did. So, to be able to see the season he’s had — and last year too — obviously being a competitor going against him, I don’t want him to do that against us. But I’m really happy for him. I’m really happy for all the success he has had.”

Thibodeau, meanwhile, said he respects Brunson’s approach to any game, and that he seems to be dialed in no matter the situation or the distractions swirling around him.

“It really doesn’t change, and he has a great routine for every game,” he said. “I’ve known him a long time and think he’s built that habit over time whether it was high school, college, the pros.

“I think he has a strategy for everything and he’s very respectful of the game and getting himself ready to play.”

Brunson finished Thursday’s game with 30 points and eight assists, and was 10-of-22 from the field. But it wasn’t enough as the Mavs prevailed, 128-124.

Kidd applauds Brunson, who is averaging 25.6 points and 6.4 assists, for his work ethic and his never say die attitude.

“His belief in himself, his basketball IQ (is great),” Kidd said. “He knows how to play the game.

“He’s a guy that you want on your side because he’s not afraid of the moment. And he’s a winner.”

A winner who likely will be life-long friends for the Mavs players he played with.

“I think the last time he was here, he was hurt,” guard Tim Hardaway Jr. said. “So, it was great just to play against one of your good friends and see him out there on the floor and see what he’s done for himself since after playing for the Mavs.”

IRVING CRASHING THE BOARDS: In the last five games entering Thursday’s contest, Kyrie Irving has collected 42 rebounds. Not bad for a 6-2 guard.

“He’s doing everything to try to help us win,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Today’s game is about smalls being able to rebound. The threes we are taking, everyone is going to crash the board to give you another opportunity.

“For Kai, he’s helping us on the defensive rebounds. To be able to rebound the ball at his height, also that helps us with our break and our pace.”

For the season, Irving is averaging five rebounds per game. Kidd noted he’s talked to Irving about getting more involved with rebounding the basketball.

“Because that becomes a positive thing for us in two ways,” Kidd said. “Rebounding the ball, so that the opponent doesn’t get another crack at it.

“Also, offensively to be able to go ahead and start the break.”

BRIEFLY: Mavs guard Luka Dončić (right ankle sprain), forward Dante Exum (right plantar sprain), center Derick Lively II (left ankle sprain) and forward Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation) all missed Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks. Coach Jason Kidd hopes he’ll have some – if not all – of his injured players back soon. “I think the key word is hope,” Kidd said. “I think there’s hope (they’ll return) more sooner than later. The injuries are piling up here, so next man mentality. So, hopefully some of these guys are back soon. If you’re healthy, hopefully this just creates that depth so we don’t have to play Luka or (Irving) 42 minutes a night. We have guys that can come in and give them a spell. But right now that’s not on the board.” Kleber, who hasn’t played since the Nov. 8 game against Toronto, was originally upgraded to doubtful for the game against the Knicks, but was eventually ruled out. So, what does that mean as far as when will Kleber be able to play again? “That his rehab is positive,” Kidd said. “That he’s going in the right direction. We’ll take that day-by-day, too. That’s a positive that he is trending towards coming back here soon.”. .Knicks guard Jalen Brunson received a technical foul with 40.4 seconds left before halftime. During his entire career with the Mavs from 2018-22, Brunson was whistled for just one technical foul in the regular season – and the NBA had it rescinded.

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