The New York Knicks have claimed a title in the NBA after more than 50 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup final. It was a game in which they overcame a deficit, but it also served to strengthen Jalen Brunson’s MVP case as one of the best players in the league.
The now NBA Cup MVP averaged 33.2 points, 5.8 assists, and shot 53% from the field across six games in this in-season tournament, becoming just the third MVP in its history alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo (2024) and LeBron James (2023).
Key to the NBA Cup title
Against San Antonio, Brunson scored 25 points and dished out eight assists, while also grabbing four rebounds to lead the team with a +15 plus-minus in 41 minutes of action.
It’s worth remembering that his NBA Cup semifinal performance against the Orlando Magic ultimately sealed his MVP candidacy: he led the way with 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting, plus eight assists and four rebounds.
This season, Jalen Brunson is averaging 28.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, with impressive efficiency of 48.7% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. He has also surpassed the 25-point mark in six straight games, a streak that began with the 119-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets on December 3.
The Knicks point guard has established himself as the offensive hub of one of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Knicks are riding a six-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 11 games. With an 18-7 record, New York sits in second place in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons (21-5).
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