Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Might Swap Kobe 6s for NBA Finals Game 2 – Will He Change Gear?

Jalen Brunson’s Mid-Game Sneaker Swap Ignites Knicks’ Rally

During the first game of the 2026 NBA Finals, Jalen Brunson, the 29-year-old point guard for the New York Knicks, made a pivotal footwear change that sparked a significant turnaround. Initially sporting pale green Nike Kobe 3s, Brunson switched to purple Nike Kobe 6s as the game against the San Antonio Spurs progressed on Wednesday.

The impact of this change was immediately apparent. After scoring only 11 points in the first half, Brunson exploded for 19 points post-switch, including a crucial 13 points in the last eight minutes of the game. His total of 30 points by game’s end not only topped the scoring charts but also led the Knicks to a 105-95 victory.

Fans Rally Behind Brunson’s Shoe Choice

The switch did not go unnoticed by fans, who quickly took to social media to voice their approval. One enthusiastic fan demanded on X, “Im gonna need Brunson to never wear Kobe 3’s again. Kobe 6’s for the rest of the series.” Similar sentiments flooded Instagram, with comments praising the effectiveness of the Kobe 6s and their recurring success on the court.

This phenomenon echoed the sentiment famously expressed by Knicks’ superfan Spike Lee in his legendary Nike commercials with Michael Jordan from the late ’80s: “It’s gotta be the shoes.” After Brunson’s performance, his fans seemed to firmly believe in the magic of his sneakers.

While Brunson himself has not commented on his in-game footwear switch, it’s well-known that he has been a long-time wearer of the Nike Kobe line since his high school days. He even reportedly declined a personal signature shoe deal with Nike, opting to continue wearing the models inspired by Kobe Bryant.

Brunson’s Longtime Connection to Kobe’s Shoes

Brunson’s relationship with Kobe’s sneakers dates back to a memorable encounter on Christmas Day 2014. During a Lakers-Bulls matchup in Chicago, Kobe Bryant personally gifted a young Brunson a pair of Kobe 9s. Brunson wore these shoes in his next high school game, even though they clashed with his team’s uniform colors, and has remained loyal to the line ever since.

Nike has capitalized on Brunson’s affinity for the series, making him the face of the Kobe Protro series and collaborating on exclusive designs such as the highly coveted Kobe 6 “Statue of Liberty.” Originally sold for $200, these sneakers now fetch considerably more on the resale market.

With the Knicks in their first Finals since 1999 and Game 2 set to commence tonight in San Antonio, the big question is what version of Kobe’s sneakers Brunson will choose next. If the betting odds are any indication, the Kobe 6s are likely to make another appearance.