Jalen Brunson: The Unsung Hero of the 2023-24 NBA Season
In the bustling metropolis of New York, a basketball hero emerged this season, carrying the weight of a city's expectations on his shoulders and leading his team to heights not seen in years. That hero is none other than Jalen Brunson, the point guard of the New York Knicks, who has put together one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory. Despite facing adversity in the form of an injury-riddled roster, Brunson has stepped up when it mattered most, cementing his status as a legitimate MVP candidate.
The numbers speak for themselves. Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, shooting a stellar 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. These numbers alone would be impressive for any player, but when you consider the context of the situation, they become even more remarkable. Brunson was the driving force behind a Knicks team that secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, finishing with a 50-win season in a conference that has been dominated by the likes of the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.
But it's not just the season-long stats that make Brunson's case for MVP compelling. It's also his performance in the final stretch of the regular season that truly sets him apart. In the last 10 games of the 2023-24 season, Brunson averaged an astonishing 37.5 points per game, leading the Knicks to a crucial 8-2 record. This late-season surge not only secured the No. 2 seed for the Knicks but also showcased Brunson's ability to elevate his game when the stakes are the highest.
Brunson's performance in those final 10 games puts him in elite company. According to Basketball-Reference, only five players in NBA history have averaged at least 37 points over the final 10 games of a regular season before Brunson did it this year. And Brunson is the only player in NBA history to average 37.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds over the final 10 games of a regular season. These numbers are not just impressive; they are historic.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Brunson's MVP case, though, is the way he has carried the Knicks through an injury-riddled season. Key players such as Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby all missed significant time due to injuries, forcing Brunson to shoulder a heavier load than ever before. Despite these challenges, Brunson's play never wavered, as he consistently put the team on his back and carried them to victory after victory.
In a season where the MVP race has been dominated by the likes of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson's name has often been overlooked. But when you look at the totality of his performance this season, it's clear that he deserves to be in the conversation. From his incredible scoring and playmaking to his leadership and clutch performances, Brunson has shown that he is not just a great player but a true MVP.
As the NBA playoffs begin, the Knicks will once again look to Brunson to lead them on a deep postseason run. And if he can continue to play at the level he has all season, there's no reason to believe that he can't take them all the way to the NBA Finals. Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, though, one thing is certain: Jalen Brunson has had a season for the ages, and he deserves to be recognized as one of the league's most valuable players.