Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon isn't retracting her polarizing evaluation of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. In a recent interview, she stuck to her comment about the 2026 Eastern Conference finals MVP.

It was back in 2023 that Hammon last commented on Jalen. Since then, he has led the Knicks to back-to-back conference finals appearances, while also winning the Larry Bird Trophy on Monday. When asked about Brunson by sports journalist Darrell Harris on Wednesday, Hammon stood by her old statement.

"I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago. I stand by it. I said what I said. If he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong."

The Aces HC doesn't believe that Brunson and the Knicks can win the 2026 Finals, and provided some historic context for her opinion.

"I speak from experience, Allen Iverson got MVP, and he lost in the finals. I think the two best teams are probably in the West, but I’m up for being proven wrong."

"I think the two best teams are probably in the West, but I’m up for being proven wrong. I think Jalen Brunson’s a h*** of a player. I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said."

The comment dates back two years, in 2023, when Hammon did not think Brunson's leadership could bring the Knicks a championship.

“This is a game that, the big and bold, it favors that. I love Jalen Brunson, but you’re going to put him on the level of a 1A? You’re putting him with Giannis, Embiid, Steph?"

Brunson has proven to be a problem for opponents since that comment, leading his team to its first Finals since 1999. Brunson has also averaged 26 points and 6.8 assists per game this season.

As for Hammon, she might have more than just Jalen to be concerned about, as the champions Aces look to defend their title this season.

Hammon's Aces Look to Defend Their Title This Season

Although Aces started with a loss, a four-win streak put them well ahead of others. But another defeat, this time against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, ought to prompt changes.

They are scheduled to play the Dallas Wings next, a team that has had a rocky start, winning four of the seven games they have played.

The Aces acquired six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd, but also sent off their pivotal role-playing player, Kelsey Plum, to the LA Sparks. Plum got her chance against the Aces shortly, scoring 38 points on Saturday.

Looking forward to the match, in-form center A'ja Wilson, averaging 24.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, will be crucial to grab a win against the Wings.

Not only her, but guard Chennedy Carter and guard Chelsea Gray will also be vital. Carter has averaged 20 points per game so far, with Gray averaging 12 points, 6.7 assists, and four rebounds per game.

Can Becky Hammon lead her team to their fourth title-winning season, or will we see a new champion crowned? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Surjo Ray