Frances Tiafoe: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is ‘almost’ bigger than Jay-Z in New York | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Jalen Brunson’s rise to fame in New York City could put him on par with Jay-Z, according to Frances Tiafoe.

The tennis star said Brunson is “almost bigger than Jay-Z” in New York City after finishing his second round match at the US Open.

Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in four consecutive playoff games. He accomplished the feat in Games 4-6 of the First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers and Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.

The 27-year-old only made himself more popular with Knicks fans when he signed a new contract in July for $113 million less than what he could have earned if he had waited until next summer to extend his deal.

Brunson’s decision to take a break now gives the Knicks the flexibility to keep their core of Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby together and avoid the second tax.

If Brunson can come close to matching Jay-Z’s popularity in New York by leading the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, imagine what will happen if they advance even further next season.