The New York Knicks are currently among the six automatic playoff teams in the Eastern Conference thanks in part to Jalen Brunson’s career-best season. In the midst of his second season with the Knicks, Brunson is averaging career-best points (27.7) and assists (6.7) and was recently invited to his first All-Star Game.
Brunson has been the most impactful player for the Knicks this season, as he has been forced to take charge in recent weeks with OG Anunoby and Julius Randle sidelined indefinitely. His impact was evident during his absence Tuesday night, when he was ruled out of the 116-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks with a knee injury suffered Sunday in Cleveland.
“For all the flamethrowing Donte DiVincenzo has done this season, the New York Knicks are not a billboard for perfect half-court spacing,” writes Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. “Brunson attacks so often through paint-filled defenses, the center of all the attention that has affected his efficiency inside the arc since leaving Dallas. He has bucked that reality…by transforming himself into one of the most dangerous players alive off-the-dribble three-point shooters.”