I'm just grateful to be on his side again."
Bridges emphasized Brunson's impact beyond statistics. "We follow him," said Bridges.
"It makes it easy for us. Very grateful to have Jalen be that guy, and we just follow his lead."
Guard Josh Hart stated that the championship core had been prepared for this moment since their collegiate career under former coach Jay Wright.
"We've been built for this moment. We've been forged in fire," said Hart.
Hart, Brunson, and Bridges became the first trio of teammates in basketball history to win both an NCAA title and an NBA championship together.
"This one takes the cake," said Hart.
Brunson recalled sharing an emotional moment with his father and Hart on the court after the final buzzer.
"I walked right to half-court, shook [Spurs coach] Mitch Johnson's hand, and then turned around and my dad was there," said Brunson.
"Then I just remember Josh talking into my ear and him just saying, 'We did it. We did it.'"
When asked what was required to register 45 points and deliver the championship to New York, Brunson provided a concise response.
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"Everything," said Brunson.
