Jalen Brunson had 28 points and six assists against the Pistons. A methodical 18-point second half from Brunson sealed the deal as he and DiVincenzo combined for 37 points down the stretch. Sixth in the NBA in points per game, Brunson has eclipsed all narratives and headlines to lead New York, now just a half-game behind the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Players winning NBA MVP from a sixth seed and Jalen Brunson being the engine powering a short-handed third-seeded Knicks team should open the conversation to considering him. Brunson has averaged 32 points and six assists over his last six games, operating as the bottom floor general for New York en route to a 5-1 record.