New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has cemented himself amongst the best players at his position in the NBA. What has accomplished over the last few weeks is truly incredible, as he earned his first All-Star game nod last week as well.
In fitting fashion, he scored 40 points willing his Knicks to a comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on the night he was announced as an All-Star. That game, and what he has done for the franchise since signing as a free agent in 2022, has provided New York with the star they have been craving.
Brunson has accomplished a lot in his first two seasons with the Knicks, and there is plenty more to be achieved. But, in 2024, he has taken his performance to a whole new level, forcing his way into the MVP picture every night.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Brunson & New York Knicks Updates
Arugbaly the most impressive thing that he has accomplished in the near year has been his production in the paint. Lacking elite size or athleticism, Brunson makes up for it with excellent footwork, head fakes and creativity getting his shot off.
He has to find ways to get the ball off against taller, longer opponents, which would be an issue for most players his size. But, Brunson puts his incredible basketball IQ to good use once he gets near the basket, finishing with both hands and an array of floaters.
How impressive has his performance in the paint been the last few weeks? As shared by Tommy Beer on X, Brunson currently leads the NBA in points in the pain in 2024. He has scored 138 paint points, putting some distance between he and second place, Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets with 122.
Rounding out the top-five is Bam Adebayo with 120, Nikola Jokic with 118 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 112. Three of those players are centers, while Gilgeous-Alexander stands at 6’6”.
Brunson’s success in the paint isn’t anything new. For the duration of the 2023-24 NBA regular season, he has scored more points in the paint than Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Brunson & New York Knicks Updates
On the perimeter, Brunson is also getting the job done. He has connected on more 3-pointers than Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Kevin Durant as he is on pace to shatter his previous career-high of 134, which he set last season.
What will Brunson accomplish next that astonishes fans? We will have to keep watching, as he and the Knicks are in the midst of what looks to be a special season, as they are ascending the Eastern Conference standings.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
