There's no shortage of surprises on the NBA playoff stage, and this season, Jalen Brunson's rise to prominence is one of the most compelling stories in the East.
At the Knicks, Brunson proved himself to be the key man for the team, and he showed MVP-level quality in the playoffs, averaging 35.5 points per game, ranking first in the league, which was enough to make him the brightest star in the East. After all, Antetokounmpo and Butler can't play, Embiid has been eliminated, and Tatum's stats aren't so exaggerated.
Brunson averaged 35.5 points per game in the playoffs this season, a rare feat in Knicks history and making him the league's highest scoring player per game. Brunson's scoring efficiency is equally impressive, averaging at least 40 points and 10 assists per game in his last four playoff games, a statistic rarely seen in NBA history.
Similarly, Brunson's shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage are maintained at a high level, allowing him to score in an efficient manner. Offensive versatility and decision-making at crucial moments make him a nightmare for opposition defences in the game. Brunson's plus/minus is equally prominent, a statistic that reflects his positive impact on the game's movement and proves his absolute dominance on the court.
When we compare Brunson's stats to the superstars of all time, such a performance is even more remarkable, comparable to Butler's playoff last season.
In NBA history, the only players who can average 35+ points per game in the playoffs at the age of 27 are Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor, apart from Brunson. In addition, Brunson has three single-game 35+ points and 10+ assists in a single-round series, the first since Oscar Robertson in 1963.
Brunson's basketball journey is a typical case of going from obscurity to star-studded. As a second-round pick, Brunson didn't get much attention when he entered the NBA, but gradually established himself in the league with his tenacious hard work and obsessive love of basketball. During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson started as a role player on the bench and grew into an important part of the team.
Brunson's growth has not been easy, he has faced doubts and challenges, but he has always responded with his performance. During his time with the Mavericks, he stepped up when Doncic was out injured, using his leadership skills and scoring talent to lead the team forward, and the Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals that season. That experience not only trained his ability to compete, but also boosted his self-confidence, which completely helped him complete his evolutionary transformation.
After moving to the Knicks, Brunson quickly became the centerpiece and leader of the team, averaging 28.7 points per game in the regular season and shooting over 40 percent from three-point range, making him one of the league's most offensive guards. Brunson's basketball skills are well-rounded, so he can play a variety of roles in the game, whether it's scoring, playmaking, or defense.
Brunson's outstanding performance has also brought tangible benefits to the Knicks, and the former signing now looks very worthwhile. Under his leadership, the Knicks have shown strong competitiveness in the playoffs and have become a force to be reckoned with in the East.
With his performance in the playoffs this season, it is an indisputable fact that he has become one of the hottest players in the East, and even the first person in the East (just the data). As the playoffs continue, Brunson and the Knicks will face even greater challenges, but they also have a chance to create more surprises. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that Brunson can lead the Knicks far in the playoffs and play the highlight of his career.
Do you think Brunson's performance in the playoffs this season is enough to make him the No. 1 man in the East?