Earlier this season, Brunson had said his clutch gene was passed down from his mother, Sandra, a former volleyball player. “She keeps me focused,” he said. “She keeps me grounded.” But through his father, the point guard also learned how to push his mind and body past the pressure.

Brunson had 25 points (9-18 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 114-102 loss to the Warriors. Brunson went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry all game long,

Brunson registered 31 points (13-25 FG, 3-11 3Pt, 2-4 FT), five rebounds, six assists and two steals in 42 minutes during Sunday's 116-112 overtime win over the Heat. Although Brunson struggled beyond the arc in the narrow victory,