Jalen Brunson is making waves this winter as his recent on-court performances have sparked excitement around his potential All-Star bid. His explosiveness on the court was on full display recently, as he navigated through defenses, showing off his scoring capabilities and playmaking skills, particularly during the Knicks’ tense matchups.
Last weekend, Brunson put on another show with 34 points against the Atlanta Hawks, which helped the New York Knicks secure a 119-110 victory. This stellar scoring output not only fueled the Knicks but also solidified Brunson's position among the franchise's all-time greats. He surpassed Knicks legend Willis Reed, now sitting sixth for the highest number of 30-point games recorded within the team's history—accomplished only after less than three full seasons with the franchise.
Brunson’s recent performances come at a pivotal moment for the Knicks, who have found themselves dealing with various injury woes among key players, including Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite these challenges, Brunson has emerged as the go-to player. His shooting was exceptional against the Hawks; he went 12-for-18 from the field, surpassing his previous best success rates.
Not only is Brunson contributing significantly on the scoreboard, but he’s also become the emotional leader for the team. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau noted the importance of Brunson's contributions and expressed no surprise by his clutch performances. According to Thibodeau, "What goes on with (Jalen Brunson) is ridiculous. It really is,” highlighting the challenges he has faced with officiators this season. Many agree with the coach’s assessment, as Brunson has failed to get the respect he deserves from referees, missing numerous calls throughout the year.
Brunson's efforts have been especially pronounced as the Knicks navigate inconsistent team performance lately, having lost six out of their last ten games following a nine-game winning streak. Nevertheless, during tough stretches, Brunson has demonstrated his ability to raise his level of play. Over the last five games, he averaged 34.6 points and 6.4 assists, leading to four games exceeding the 30-point mark—evidence of why he should be taken seriously as this year’s All-Star candidate.
The All-Star selection process is based on fan votes, player votes, and media votes, each accounting for one-third of the decision. With the final voting for All-Star starters ending on January 20, many viewed Brunson’s chances as uncertain. He placed fourth among Eastern Conference guards, trailing LaMelo Ball, Donovan Mitchell, and Damian Lillard. Specifically, he was about 27,000 votes shy of Lillard, but over 300,000 votes behind Mitchell, who ranks second; this left some fans wondering whether Brunson could crack the starting lineup.
Despite these hurdles, observers argue he deserves to be recognized as one of the top guards not just for his stats—which feature averages of 26.2 points and 7.4 assists—but also for how he leads the Knicks, currently positioned third in the Eastern Conference. The team’s success reflects Brunson's input as he orchestrates their offense, helping the squad capture the second-highest offensive rating throughout the league.
Statistically, Brunson’s performance surpasses even notable guards like Ball and Lillard. While Ball has struggled with injuries and has been inefficient at times, posting less impressive numbers, Lillard has had comparable stats but lags slightly behind the Knicks' success this season. Returning to form during the Knicks’ last few victories, Brunson has proven to be invaluable, showcasing his elite abilities and competitiveness when it matters most.
On top of his scoring skills, he exhibits playmaking prowess, recording 7.4 assists and maintaining excellent shooting splits at 48.8% from the field and over 39% from three-point range. All these facets combine to paint Brunson as not only one of the premier guards of the East but also as frontrunner for All-Star honors. His excellence as both scorer and facilitator aligns with what fans look for during All-Star consideration.
Jalen Brunson’s remarkable ascent within the Knicks franchise—as indicated by his high placement among the team’s top scorers—coupled with his sturdy contribution to their playoff aspirations, positions him as not just another player, but as the heartbeat of the team. His captaincy during challenging moments has solidified the argument for his selection on February 16 during the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA community watches eagerly, waiting to see if Brunson's outstanding play will secure him the honor he so richly deserves.