Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jalen Brunson just put together the kind of weeks that don’t go unnoticed - and the league took note. The NBA named Jackson and Brunson the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, after both stars turned in standout performances that helped fuel winning basketball.
Let’s start in the West, where Jackson Jr. reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic two-way bigs in the league. This is his second career Player of the Week honor, and it’s well-earned.
Jackson averaged 27.0 points on a scorching 55.6% shooting, along with 8.0 boards, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game. That’s not just stuffing the stat sheet - that’s impacting the game on every level.
He opened the week with a statement performance in L.A., dropping a season-high 31 points and swatting five shots in a dominant 121-103 road win over the Clippers. That kind of rim protection, paired with his offensive efficiency, is exactly what makes Jackson such a rare weapon.
Two nights later, he followed it up with 28 points, a season-best 12 rebounds, and three more blocks in a gritty 116-110 win over the Timberwolves - another road victory, this time against a tough Minnesota squad. Memphis went 2-1 on the week, and Jackson was the driving force.
Meanwhile, back East, Jalen Brunson is proving that his NBA Cup MVP wasn’t just a moment - it might be the start of something bigger. Brunson averaged 31.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across three games, guiding the Knicks to a 2-1 record following their Cup win.
He was locked in all week, but the headliner came Sunday night when he torched Miami for 47 points in a 132-125 win. That wasn’t just a hot hand - that was a superstar performance.
Brunson’s evolution in New York has been one of the league’s best stories this season. He’s not just running the offense - he is the offense when the Knicks need a bucket. And this past week, he showed he can carry the load while still getting teammates involved.
For both Jackson and Brunson, this recognition isn’t just about numbers - it’s about leadership, consistency, and delivering when it counts. These aren’t empty stats; they’re the kind that translate into wins. And if this past week is any indication, both Memphis and New York have their engines humming thanks to their rising stars.