Does this Knicks point guard have a legit chance of chasing history?
It’s kind of crazy when you look at the NBA standings and realize the Knicks are only 12-6 and the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Given the team has been without OG Anunoby for 5+ games, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart for 2+ games, and Miles McBride for 3+, and Landry Shamet is expected to miss about a month off the court, you’d think the team would’ve posted a better record.
Amid all of the injuries and changes throughout the roster, one of the biggest and most consistent factors on the main roster has been Jalen Brunson. The Knicks captain has been on fire in the 16 games he’s played thus far, averaging 29.1 points and 6.2 assists on 48.7% and 38% shooting from the field and three-point range.
Selflessness Above Everyone
Brunson continued his miraculous string of performances on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, posting 37 points and five assists on 57.1% field-goal shooting and four made three-pointers. After the team’s NBA Cup win, head coach Mike Brown spoke about his starting point guard’s regular-season start, giving him flowers he’s never heard of before.
“I've thought about more winning vs. winning the MVP. It's not something I'm thinking about. Honestly, when you win, everyone eats, so just focused on winning as a team.”
Brunson has consistently prioritized the team’s success over individual accolades throughout his career. Whether it was receiving MVP cheers from the fans or a roar of emotion when named an All-Star, Brunson has never been one to showcase a large amount of emotion to the fans. However, it’s almost impossible to grasp just how good Brunson has been this season.
Hot Streaks Like No Other
Over his last seven games, he’s averaging 31.6 points and 6.1 assists on 52% field-goal and 44% three-point shooting. Ever since coming back from his ankle injury, the Knicks have gone 4-1, propelling themselves atop the standings.
The closest Brunson ever got to an MVP was back in 2023, placing fifth in voting league-wide for the award. He’d drive New York to a postseason appearance and into the second round before getting bounced by the Miami Heat. Nonetheless, he has taken a salary pay cut of over $100 million, sacrificed additional money for the benefit of the team, and has always remained calm in the moment.
As it stands, it’s hard to determine whether Brunson can make a compelling enough case for the award, given the rise of Nikola Jokic, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo. It might be impossible, but it’s not improbable.