Jalen Brunson became the perfect villain the Knicks needed in Game 3

DETROIT — Jalen Brunson finds himself in an unfamiliar position as the perceived villain in Detroit. Throughout his NBA career, he has been the underdog, defying expectations and maximizing his potential despite limited athleticism.

However, the atmosphere in Detroit is different. Here, Brunson is met with taunts and profanity, facing a hostile crowd at Little Caesars Arena.

During a crucial playoff game on Thursday, Brunson was consistently booed and subjected to negative energy, surpassing even the intensity of reactions at MSG during Games 1 and 2.

The enthusiastic Pistons fans, eager for a significant playoff moment, repeatedly chanted derogatory remarks towards Brunson, creating a hostile environment reminiscent of the treatment Trae Young received from Knicks fans.