Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson is a point guard in the NBA and a central figure for the New York Knicks. Brunson entered the NBA as a second-round pick and has since become a cornerstone of the Knicks, recognized for his leadership and consistent performance on the court.

Brunson played college basketball at Villanova, where he contributed to two NCAA national championships. During his senior season, he averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, earning the John Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, and the Bob Cousy Award.

After being selected 33rd overall in the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson played a supporting role behind Luka Dončić. His breakout occurred during the NBA Playoffs, when he scored 41 points against Utah and helped the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals. Brunson later joined the Knicks, where he became an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection.

Brunson led the NBA in clutch baskets and received the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year award. He set the NBA record for most three-point shots made in a half without a miss (eight) and tied the record for most three-point shots made in a single game without a miss (nine). Over his career, Brunson has earned recognition as a three-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection, and NBA Cup MVP.

Brunson guided the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years and their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years, earning Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors. After a series victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Brunson was awarded the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, helping the Knicks secure their first league title since 1973. He averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game during the Finals, including a 45-point performance in Game 5. The championship marked a unique milestone, as Rick and Jalen Brunson became the first father-son duo to reach and win the NBA Finals with the same franchise.