Source: Andy Lyons/Getty
When the New York Knicks signed free agent guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract in the summer of 2022, Knicks nation lost it (not in a good way) and wondered what the hell is up with the New York Knicks front office doing up there?!
Fast forward a season and a half later and not only is the pint-sized point guard receiving MVP praise from the Garden, but the man has just rightfully earned a spot on the NBA All-Star team for the first time in his own young career. ESPN reports that yesterday (Feb. 1), Jalen Brunson was named a reserve for this year's NBA All-Star Game in Indiana. And to mark the momentous occasion, Jalen Brunson went out and dropped 40 points on the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden and led a Knicks team to a 109 – 1015 victory over their one-time rivals.
In the process of helping the Knicks gain traction, Brunson also lifted the Knicks to second place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing only the Boston Celtics for first place.
In an interview after the game, Jalen Brunson explained how much this night meant to him.
Per ESPN:
“It was pretty cool,” Branson said. “The whole experience. The night. How we won. Obviously, what happened before the game… you always work for certain moments, but you never know how to react when they happen. So it was special.”
Thursday night's win was one of the same scenarios the Knicks have created time and time again in recent weeks. Brunson was terrific, sparking New York to a win with Julius Randle (shoulder), OG Anunoby (elbow), Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Quentin Grimes (knee) all out with injuries. And a group that plays with relentless energy dominated the glass 60-44, which Pacers coach Rick Carlisle credited as the difference in the outcome.
But, more than anything else, this night was about Brunson, the leader of this team who, almost every other night, goes out of his way to do things for anyone else.
Show some respect to his name!
Although Knicks fans know the team is still a piece or two away from a championship contending team, Jalen Brunson gives fans hope that the elusive title is very close and has made the team so relevant in this picture as it has been in decades (sorry, Melo). How it all ends is anyone's guess, but for now Knicks fans are just enjoying the ride with Jalen Brunson in the driver's seat.
That being said, should Jalen Brunson really be getting serious NBA MVP consideration? We sure seem to think so, but we're New Yorkers, so we're a little biased in that regard. I am just saying'.
Watch Jalen Brunson's emotional reaction to his big night below and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
