The New York Knicks are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA right now. They were able to win the NBA Cup, signaling that they are one of the best teams in the league at the moment. Following that victory, they had a massive come-from-behind win against the Pacers.
In that game, Jalen Brunson hit a game-winning step-back three with just over four seconds left in the game. Brunson finished the game with 25 points despite some bad shooting. Yet, he was able to come up big when his team needed him the most.
Following the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown was talking about Brunson and gave him some of the highest praise possible.
GettyKnicks guard Jalen Brunson shoots the ball.(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Knicks Coach Mike Brown Calls Jalen Brunson NBA MVP
In his postgame press conference, Brown made sure he made his feelings about Brunson known.
“Our MVP, the league’s MVP, Jalen Brunson. We call a timeout, took another timeout, drew up a different play, and as Jalen’s walking out on the floor, Jalen turns to me, and he says, ‘I’m getting this win. I’m going for it.’ I said, ‘You do you. That’s who you are, you do you.’ And he went out, and he came through. That’s what real MVPs do, and I’m glad I’m a part of his team.”
Brunson was the Clutch Player of the Year last season, and for good reason. His game-winner against the Pacers shows just how good a player he is when the moments are the biggest. However, an argument could be made that the Knicks shouldn’t have needed a last-second shot to beat the lowly Pacers.
New York was without Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson in this one. That’s why the Pacers were able to generate a 16-point third-quarter lead. In the end, Brunson was able to bring them back and get the victory on the first night of a back-to-back.
GettyBucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks the ball. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
New York Could Still Make a Big Trade
While the Knicks are really good as currently constructed, there is a chance that they try to make a big move. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been rumored to have an interest in being moved to New York. The Bucks are still hoping to keep him, but it may be out of their hands.
It’s hard for the Knicks to move away from something that has worked so well this season. They currently have the second-best offense in the league. Adding Antetokounmpo would certainly give them another superstar player. It would also kill their depth.
Depth is something that New York has been leaning on more this year under Brown. He has expanded the rotation, making it less necessary for them to make a giant move. Leon Rose will be the one who makes the final roster decisions when the trade deadline approaches.
Brunson likely won’t win MVP this season, but he might finish in the top five of final voting.
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