The Toronto Raptors face a critical gap in their roster: they lack a player like Jalen Brunson, who single-handedly drove the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA championship. According to sports columnist Steve Simmons, winning in the NBA demands a singular talent capable of taking over games in the fourth quarter.
Brunson's Historic Performance
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks delivered a legendary performance in the 2026 NBA Finals, earning the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five. He scored 15 fourth-quarter points in the clinching game, joining an elite group—only six players in history have scored more in a Finals fourth quarter, with five of those being Steph Curry or LeBron James.
Throughout the series, Brunson posted 45, 36, and 30 points in three of New York's wins, showcasing his ability to close out tight games. The 6-foot-1 guard often matched up against the 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama, but his relentless drives and confidence proved unstoppable.
The Raptors' Missing Piece
Steve Simmons highlights that the Raptors' current roster, while talented, lacks a fourth-quarter killer. Scottie Barnes is an excellent player but not a closer. RJ Barrett has not proven himself in clutch moments, and Brandon Ingram struggled when healthy. In the playoffs, Jamison Battle led Toronto in fourth-quarter scoring—an unusual stat for a team with championship aspirations.
General Manager Bobby Webster recently received a contract extension, but the Raptors still need a difference-maker like Brunson. Past champions have relied on stars like Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Toronto's only title came in 2019 with Leonard, who averaged 34 points in the Finals and dominated earlier series.
Lessons from the Knicks' Rise
The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought, their first since 1973. Under owner James Dolan, the franchise had been a laughingstock until former player agent Leon Rose took over and initiated change. Simmons draws parallels to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967, and the Buffalo Bills, whose last title came in 1965. If the Knicks can win, he argues, any team can—including the Leafs.
Brunson's performance offers hope and a blueprint. The Raptors must find their own version of a clutch scorer to contend for future titles.
