Despite the league’s current unprecedented era of parity, Jalen Brunson believes the Knicks have what it takes to go for a repeat as NBA champions.

Months away before they kickstart their title defense for the 2026-27 NBA season, Jalen Brunson is fully bullish already that he and the New York Knicks can capably go for a back-to-back triumph.

Appearing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart during the “Kings of NY: Championship Knicks” panel hosted by Taylor Rooks on Day 3 of Fanatics Fest NYC, the superstar guard made it clear he believes the Knicks have what it takes to repeat.

“I know one and two are going to be good,” Brunson said. ” … I have the utmost confidence in us night in and night out just because of the way we’ve been able to work through these couple of years. If we have that same, if not better work ethic and mindset, obviously, I like our chances. But we gotta quickly turn the page and forget about Mr. Larry [O’Brien Trophy] over there at some point.

“Not now, not now.”

Can Jalen Brunson, Knicks go back-to-back as NBA champions?

The New York Knicks secured their dream season in 2025-26, winning their first title in 53 years by dismantling the San Antonio Spurs in five games of the NBA Finals.

The Knicks steamrolled their entire postseason competition en route to one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, going 16-3 to win it all.

Jalen Brunson was named the unanimous 2026 NBA Finals MVP, averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds.

What awaits the Knicks next season in their hopes of a repeat is a daunting challenge. The NBA is currently experiencing an unprecedented era of parity, marked by eight different champions in eight consecutive seasons since 2019.

No team has won back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. 

This offseason saw major developments that will make the league even more competitive next year. From several trades and signings, a new team might make it to the mountaintop.

But with Brunson delivering a massive statement that they have what it takes to go for a historic repeat, the Knicks themselves can only feel confident in their chances.  

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.

If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.