Why Jalen Brunson is the True MVP

By the true definition of the term Most Valuable Player, arguably, no one has been more valuable to their team than Jalen Brunson has for the New York Knicks. Think of the adversity the Knicks have overcome to finish with 50 wins and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Let alone overcome the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. Now Brunson’s leading his team to the first win against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. While  Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic will command the most MVP votes for the regular season, and deservedly so. By the true definition, Brunson is the true MVP, certainly in the playoffs.

Why Jalen Brunson is the True MVP

I felt that Brunson would have a career year going into this season. This has proven to be spot-on, but this season is still incredible. Brunson finished fourth in the NBA scoring 28.7 points per game. Finishing with 6.7 assists and 48% from the field.

Far beyond the scoring, Brunson’s overcome All-Star Julius Randle missing the rest of the season. As well as overcoming OG Anunoby missing 27 games after his arrival by trade in December.

Last season’s starting Center Mitchell Robinson missed most of the regular season due to injury and is now most likely out the rest of the way with a stress injury to his ankle. If all this wasn’t enough, now Bojan Bogdanovic is missing the rest of the year with a foot injury.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s been riding with a short seven-man rotation without anyone to backup Brunson’s scoring and playmaking on the bench, apart from Miles McBride who is more of an off-guard. This has given Brunson an unreal workload that he has to handle. Not only has he handled it, but he’s been making history on a nightly basis in the playoffs.

Different Supporting Casts

The Celtics are so deep and have talents such as Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday to support Jayson Tatum. Denver is one of the more well-rounded teams in the league including an elite co-star in Jamal Murray. The Mavs have an elite backcourt with Luka and Kyrie Irving. The Timberwolves have an elite defense around young superstar Anthony Edwards. The Knicks? In terms of ball-handling playmaking and scoring, it’s Brunson’s show. A show fit for Broadway.

No one can do it alone, Anunoby’s elite defense and overall play on both ends are huge. Donte DiVincenzo is in my view the Most Improved Player in the league this year after breaking the franchise 3-point record. He’s also incredibly clutch. Josh Hart is relentless and the beating heart of the team.

Yet Brunson’s the true MVP. Whether it’s double teams or full-court press, he still drops 35. No matter what teams throw at him, he delivers every night. Teams know they have to stop Brunson to stop the Knicks, yet he’s still unguardable. Even if he starts quiet, he learns about the defense and the coverages, then kills teams by the end.

Brunson Makes History in Game 1

Brunson is now the first player in NBA history to score 39+ points, shooting over 45% in 5 straight playoff games, this has never been done before!