NJ’s Jalen Brunson Evokes Strong Memories of Willis Reed

When Jalen Brunson stepped onto the Madison Square Garden court for the start of the second half Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers, he evoked strong memories of Willis Reed for Knicks fans.

Brunson had left the court earlier in the game with an injury, and you could have heard a pin drop. When he returned for the start of the second half, the Garden crowd erupted.

54 years ago to the day Knicks captain Willis Reed came onto the floor for Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in a slightly similar scenario.

Reed had missed Game 6 against the Lakers with a thigh injury and was considered highly doubtful for the decisive Game 7. So when he appeared in the tunnel coming out for the pregame warmup, the response from the Knicks fans was among the loudest ever heard at the Garden.

Reed scored the first two baskets of the game for New York, and the Knicks never looked back.

Listening to the game on WMTR on the way home from our Teachers Who Rock celebration, I tuned in just as the Knicks were coming onto the court for the second half of the game.

Trailing by 10 points to Indiana at the time, Brunson scored 24 of his team-high 29 points in the second half as the Knicks went on to a 130-121 win over the Pacers to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series.

Originally from New Brunswick here in New Jersey, Brunson's dad (currently an assistant coach with the Knicks) played for New York twice in his nine-year NBA career.

Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks in July 2022 and quickly became a fan favorite, leading some (Chris Swendeman and me for sure) to consider him among the best free-agent signings in New York sports history.

MORE EPISODES OF WDHA'S TWO-MINUTE DRILL WITH JIM MONAGHAN AND CHRIS SWENDEMAN

Spring is really in full swing now and it feels great. Sure, in Jersey, we get hit-or-miss weather (so do most places). However, we’ve had a few really Spring-like days here and it’s so nice. Soon the weather will heat up and it’ll be time to head to the beach or spend the day by the pool. Of course, you’ll want to look and feel your best, so let’s take a look at 5 great ways to Shape Up this Spring in Jersey.

Let me start by stating that I am not a doctor. Actually, I know so little about the medical field that it bears repeating – I am not a doctor. So if you are going to take any of my ideas for getting in better shape and put them to use, I ask that you check with your doctor first! And remember that no matter what you do to try and get healthier, take it slow. If you’re like me, you want immediate results. But unfortunately, that’s not usually how it works. It takes time. Be okay with that and you won’t get discouraged.

What I’m listing below are only a few of the ways you can get in shape or more fit. Keep in mind that here in Jersey we have so much for you to do and try and the possibilities of finding some good, healthy activities are almost endless.

Whether you are into being outdoors or staying in the air conditioning, there really is something for almost everyone. Keep in mind though – it is Spring, so you really should take advantage of that warmer, pleasant weather. I mean, you’ve been cooped up inside your house for the past several months, so why not get out and enjoy something fun?!

Below, let’s take a look at 5 great ways to shape up this Spring in Jersey.

Morris County has some awesome spots to walk! Walking is great for cardiovascular health and can be relaxing too!!

https://www.morrisparks.net/parks-trails/find-a-park/

Great for the mind and body!  And this place is offering free online classes, but is accepting donations! Check them out or a Yoga Studio by you!

https://www.newarkyogamovement.org/freeclasses

You can take dance lessons at a local school.  You can do a dance workout at home or much simpler.....turn up the tunes in your house and get wild.  It will release endorphins and although you may look silly it has some great benefits.

You can find a place offering a boot camp.  They are high intensity workouts that can help you get in better shape!  Call your local gym or search online for a spot!

You can take a stroll through the mall.  Maybe head to your downtown area and walk a few blocks while browsing.  Or park far away as you actually shop some stores!