There was plenty of talk and debate about Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in the offseason.
Despite a breakout year with the Dallas Mavericks, most people thought that Brunson was overpaid and only got that big of a contract because of his family ties to the organization.
Brunson was quite aware of that and has played like a man on a mission since the season started, proving that he’s more than capable of living up to that hefty salary.
In fact, NBA University reported that Brunson now has scored 25+ points in eight straight games, which is the longest streak by a Knicks guard in the past 58 years.
After last night, Jalen Brunson has dropped 25+ in 8 straight games—the longest streak by a Knicks guard since 1965 (wow)
99th percentile in isolation efficiency, 94th scoring gravity, 40% on catch and shoot 3s, and 39% on pull-up 3s, NYK 25-21
Brunson an All-star in the East? pic.twitter.com/UmRxkDks1i
— NBA University (@NBA_University) January 19, 2023
For years, the Knicks were in desperate need of a lead guard and a playmaker, and Brunson has excelled throughout the whole campaign with averages of 22.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers on 47/39/85 shooting splits.
If it wasn’t for Lauri Markkanen, he should be a lock to run away with Most Improved Player honors this season.
More than that, the Knicks have been much better this season and currently hold a 25-21 record, so there’s no denying that Brunson should get plenty of All-Star consideration with those kinds of numbers.
Brunson is sure making a lot of money.
Four years at $104 million is plenty for a guy who was coming off the bench for the better part of his brief NBA career.
But that criticism has put a chip on his shoulders, and it seems like the Knicks have finally found the spark they needed for so long.
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