BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The UnderDog”, a Highly Anticipated Documentary About New York Knicks Legend Jalen Brunson, Slated for Release on June 25th
In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has officially announced the release of its latest original sports documentary, “The UnderDog,” chronicling the riveting life and career of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Slated for global release on June 25, 2025, the film promises an unfiltered, emotional, and inspiring look at the making of one of basketball’s most tenacious competitors—and arguably one of the most underappreciated stars of his generation.
With a run-time of just under two hours, “The UnderDog” is being hailed by early reviewers and insiders as an instant classic—a project that not only illuminates the fierce rise of Brunson but also serves as a broader commentary on perseverance, legacy, and the fight to be seen in a league dominated by larger-than-life personas.
Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming release and why the story of Jalen Brunson might just be the most important sports documentary of the year.
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A Story Years in the Making
For die-hard fans of the New York Knicks and followers of college basketball, Jalen Brunson has never flown under the radar. But outside the tri-state area and NCAA circles, Brunson’s star status has often been overshadowed by flashier names. That changes now.
“The UnderDog” traces the arc of Brunson’s basketball journey—from his high school dominance in Illinois, to his NCAA championship pedigree at Villanova, and onto his slow-burn rise in the NBA. The film is directed by Ava Bernstein, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker known for her intimate portraits of athletes and their psychological landscapes. Bernstein told reporters, “Jalen’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about grit, humility, and the power of self-belief when nobody else sees your value.”
Netflix reportedly began development on the project in early 2023, after Brunson’s breakout postseason performances with the Knicks. The idea was sparked during a viral postgame interview in which Brunson, soaked in sweat and clutching a playoff game ball, humbly said, “I’ve always believed in working quietly. That’s who I am. Let the noise be the work.” That line, paraphrased, serves as the doc’s tagline.
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“More Than a Point Guard”: The Central Theme
What sets “The UnderDog” apart from other sports documentaries is its emphasis on identity and perception. Jalen Brunson, despite his stellar statistics and leadership qualities, has often been labeled a “role player” or “solid contributor.” The film sets out to dismantle those reductive labels.
Featuring interviews with Jay Wright, Rick Brunson (his father and Knicks assistant coach), Julius Randle, Josh Hart, Stephen A. Smith, LeBron James, and even Patrick Ewing, the documentary becomes a layered meditation on what it means to lead without seeking the spotlight.
“I’ve played with stars,” said one unnamed NBA veteran in the trailer, “but Jalen? He’s different. He doesn’t need the light. He is the light, even when he’s in the shadows.”
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Child of the Game: Early Life and Legacy
One of the most poignant portions of “The UnderDog” is the deep dive into Brunson’s childhood. Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and raised in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Jalen was immersed in basketball culture from birth. His father, Rick Brunson, was an NBA journeyman and later a coach, giving Jalen a front-row seat to the life of a professional athlete.
But The UnderDog makes clear that Jalen’s life was never paved with privilege. Despite his NBA bloodline, the younger Brunson had to work tirelessly to prove himself—first at Stevenson High School, then at Villanova, and ultimately in the NBA.
In one touching segment, home videos and VHS tapes from the early 2000s show a young Brunson running drills in his driveway, mimicking NBA greats. His mother, Sandra Brunson, provides voiceover: “He didn’t talk much. He let the ball do the talking. But every dribble, every shot—it had purpose.”
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The Villanova Years: From Quiet Competitor to Championship Leader
Brunson’s time at Villanova University is a focal point in the documentary. Under coach Jay Wright, he led the Wildcats to two NCAA championships (2016, 2018), earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Naismith College Player of the Year in his junior season.
“The UnderDog” doesn’t just highlight the victories; it digs into Brunson’s methodical leadership, his disciplined film study, and his stoic demeanor on and off the court. Jay Wright notes in the film, “You couldn’t coach a better leader. He never demanded the spotlight. He demanded excellence—from himself first.”
The documentary includes never-before-seen locker room footage, showing Brunson rallying his teammates not with speeches, but with quiet presence and controlled intensity. Teammates speak of him as “the emotional anchor” and “the coach on the court,” setting the stage for what would come next.
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Draft Day Disappointment: Fueling the Fire
The 2018 NBA Draft serves as a critical emotional inflection point in the documentary. Despite his college accolades, Brunson was selected 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks—a position many analysts saw as a snub.
The documentary shows Brunson and his family watching the draft unfold in real-time. Cameras catch the tension and quiet heartbreak as player after player is called before his name is finally announced. Rick Brunson, at his son’s side, whispers: “We work harder now.”
That night becomes a turning point. The film weaves together commentary from draft analysts, NBA scouts, and former coaches who admit, in hindsight, that they underestimated Brunson’s ceiling. “He was punished for being too efficient, too mature, too composed,” says one NBA scout. “People mistook steadiness for a lack of potential.”
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The Dallas Years: Apprenticeship and Emergence
Brunson’s tenure with the Mavericks is portrayed as a period of learning and evolution. Though initially playing behind Luka Dončić, he gradually earned more playing time and showcased his value as a scorer and playmaker.
“The UnderDog” features interviews with Dončić and Mavericks coaches who praise Brunson’s consistency and IQ. A highlight is his 2022 playoff explosion, particularly against the Utah Jazz, where he scored 41 points in Game 2 without Luka on the floor. That series, many argue, cemented his status as a top-tier guard.
Yet even in the wake of that breakout, the Mavericks chose not to offer him a long-term extension. “That was the second time I felt invisible,” Brunson says in the documentary. “But it was also the last.”
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New York State of Mind: A Star is Born
In July 2022, Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the New York Knicks, joining his father on the coaching staff and reuniting with former Villanova teammates.
Critics called the move an overpay. Knicks fans, long-suffering and starved for postseason success, were cautiously optimistic. But Brunson quickly silenced the doubters.
The documentary’s third act is a love letter to New York and the franchise’s rebirth. Using sweeping drone shots of Madison Square Garden and pulsating street-level footage of Knicks fans in Harlem, the Bronx, and Queens, the film captures the city’s raw passion and its embrace of a new hero.
Voiceover from Stephen A. Smith, one of the team’s most vocal commentators, declares: “Jalen Brunson didn’t just save the Knicks. He resurrected belief.”
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2024 Postseason: The Legend Grows
A significant portion of “The UnderDog” is dedicated to the Knicks’ deep 2024 playoff run, in which Brunson averaged over 32 points per game and led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. His performances included back-to-back 40-point games, clutch heroics, and a poise that ignited MSG with chants of “M-V-P!”
Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shows Brunson battling through injury, studying film at 2 a.m., and mentoring younger teammates. His leadership is compared to that of Tim Duncan—quiet, effective, and rooted in humility.
“That playoff run changed everything,” Bernstein says. “He wasn’t just the underdog anymore. He was the man.”
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Legacy in Progress: What Comes Next?
While “The UnderDog” is a retrospective, it never pretends that Brunson’s story is finished. The final scenes show him walking into the Knicks’ practice facility alone, long before dawn, lacing up his sneakers. He glances at the camera, smirks, and says: “Still got a lot to prove.”
As the credits roll, a message flashes: Legacy is not where you start. It’s what you build, every day you’re doubted.
The documentary ends not with a championship, but with purpose—an open invitation for the viewer to redefine what greatness looks like.
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Early Reactions and Anticipation
Netflix has already held private screenings of “The UnderDog” for media, athletes, and select fans. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
Critics are calling it “emotionally charged,” “exceptionally crafted,” and “a narrative masterclass.” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst praised its emotional honesty, saying, “It’s rare to see a sports doc that combines humility, excellence, and emotional transparency like this.”
The film is expected to generate strong Emmy buzz and may even pave the way for a franchise series focusing on underrated athletes in various sports.
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Release Details and Rollout Strategy
“The UnderDog” will premiere on Netflix globally on June 25, 2025, coinciding with the NBA Draft and the anniversary of Brunson’s first free agency signing. The release strategy includes:
A red-carpet premiere at Madison Square Garden
A limited theatrical run in select cities including New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles
An exclusive Spotify companion playlist curated by Brunson himself
Interactive fan watch parties hosted on Netflix’s new sports community platform, GameTime
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Final Word: A Star Redefined
“The UnderDog” isn’t just a documentary about basketball—it’s a manifesto for anyone who’s ever been overlooked, misjudged, or told to stay in their lane. Jalen Brunson’s journey is personal, powerful, and perfectly timed for a generation hungry for authentic heroes.
As Netflix continues its push into original sports storytelling, this documentary could very well stand as a generational landmark—a story about how greatness doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers… and wins.
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