38 Points, 44 Points, 55 Points! The Eastern Conference’s Best Point Guard, Jalen Brunson, Is Back on Fire!

Jalen Brunson is making waves again in the NBA, and this time, it’s no surprise. With performances like 38 points, 44 points, and a jaw-dropping 55-point game, the point guard from the New York Knicks is showing everyone why he is one of the most underrated stars in the league.

Brunson’s recent run has been nothing short of spectacular. For a player who has always flown under the radar, his recent performances have demanded attention, with fans and analysts alike questioning just how high his ceiling can go. It’s no longer a question of whether Brunson is a top-tier player—his numbers and performances speak for themselves.

From Underrated to Unstoppable

When Jalen Brunson made the jump from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks, many questioned if the young guard could replicate his success on a new team. Coming off a fantastic playoff run with the Mavericks, where he played a pivotal role in their postseason success, Brunson was expected to be the Knicks' leader, but how would he adjust to a bigger role with higher expectations?

Fast forward to now, and the answer is clear. Not only has Brunson lived up to the hype, but he’s elevated his game to levels that even the most optimistic Knicks fans didn’t foresee.

Brunson has become the undisputed leader of the Knicks. His ability to take over games, especially in clutch moments, has been remarkable. We’ve already seen him score 38 points in an overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he dominated the second half with 27 of his points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime. His performance was the epitome of what a star player looks like when the game is on the line.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. In the previous game, a 140-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Brunson exploded for 23 points in the first quarter alone and finished with 44 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in just under 29 minutes of play. It was another display of his ability to take control of the game and put the team on his back when they needed him the most.

But it didn’t stop there. One of the most memorable games of his career came recently in a 136-132 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards, where Brunson scored a career-high 55 points. This performance was not just a scoring outburst but also an example of his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He scored 42 of his 55 points in the second half, further solidifying his reputation as a player who can deliver when the stakes are highest.

A Complete Player with an Unstoppable Scoring Package

Brunson's scoring ability has been his defining trait this season. Whether it’s hitting mid-range jumpers, pulling up from three, or finishing at the rim, he’s been virtually unstoppable when he’s on. His impressive 48.7% shooting from the field and 38.8% shooting from beyond the arc this season only add to his growing legend. Add to that an 82.5% clip from the free-throw line, and you have a player who can score from virtually anywhere on the floor.

But it’s not just about putting the ball in the basket. Brunson’s playmaking has been equally as impressive. Averaging 7.5 assists per game this season, he has shown that he can make the right decisions, whether it’s finding an open teammate for a shot or orchestrating the offense when needed. His growth as a floor general is one of the main reasons the Knicks have been able to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

It’s also worth noting how his shooting efficiency has improved this season. While his usage rate has decreased slightly from last year, down from 31.1% to 29.1%, his shooting numbers have gone up. His true shooting percentage has risen from 59.2% to 60.6%, a sign that he’s becoming more efficient with his opportunities. In many ways, Brunson has figured out how to balance being a volume scorer with maintaining high shooting efficiency, a skill that separates good players from great ones.

Playoff Hero in the Making

Brunson’s performance has only improved when the lights shine brightest. During last season’s playoffs, he proved that he’s not just a regular-season star. In the 2023 playoffs, Brunson elevated his game to another level, averaging 32.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He was the clear focal point for the Knicks' offense, and his ability to go toe-to-toe with the league’s best players made it clear that he was ready for prime-time basketball.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of his postseason run was his consistency. Brunson put up 40-point games with regularity, including a stretch where he scored over 40 points in four consecutive games, a feat reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s legendary scoring run in the 1980s. His ability to deliver in clutch moments during the postseason only further validated his status as one of the top point guards in the league.

While the Knicks ultimately fell short against the Indiana Pacers in a heartbreaking Game 7 in the second round, Brunson’s performance was a beacon of hope for the future. With a core of Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett, the Knicks are well-positioned to build on their success from last year and make another deep run into the playoffs this season.

The Surprising Continuation of Success

Despite losing a bit of his offensive control with the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns, Brunson has managed to maintain his impact on the game. While his scoring numbers have dipped slightly, from 28.7 points per game last season to 26.0 this season, his efficiency has been even better. He continues to shoot efficiently from the field and has proven that he can be a reliable and consistent force for the Knicks.

What stands out most, though, is his ability to elevate his game when the team needs him most. Over the past ten games, Brunson has been on a tear, averaging 30.5 points per game, including multiple high-scoring performances. If this recent surge is any indication, Brunson could be gearing up for another monster second half of the season. Just as he did last year, he’s proven that he has the ability to take over games, no matter the stage.

Brunson’s journey from a backup point guard in Dallas to one of the top players in the league is a testament to his work ethic, determination, and growth as a player. Few players have undergone as dramatic an evolution in their careers as Brunson, and with each passing game, it becomes clearer that he is one of the NBA’s rising stars.

The Knicks’ Future Is Bright

For the Knicks, Brunson’s emergence as a superstar could be the key to their future success. With the addition of Towns, the Knicks’ roster has become even more formidable. Alongside other key players like Randle, Barrett, and defensive specialists like Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, the Knicks have one of the deepest rosters in the league. The question now is whether they can put it all together for a championship run.

Brunson’s ability to continue delivering at the highest level could be the difference between a playoff berth and a championship. His scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances make him a player to watch for the rest of the season, and if he continues to play at this level, the Knicks will be a team to reckon with come playoff time.