Jalen Brunson Drops 40, Sparks MVP Buzz as Knicks Advance to NBA Cup Final
The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Cup Final, and make no mistake - Jalen Brunson is the engine driving the train. In a high-stakes showdown under the bright lights of Las Vegas, Brunson delivered a performance that didn’t just push the Knicks past the Orlando Magic, 132-120 - it reignited the MVP conversation around the star point guard.
And if you ask head coach Mike Brown, it's a conversation that’s long overdue.
Brunson’s Masterclass in Vegas
Brunson was surgical on Saturday night. He poured in 40 points on an efficient 16-of-27 shooting clip, including a blistering 25-point first half that set the tone early and never let up. He added eight assists to round out a complete offensive night, orchestrating the Knicks’ attack with the kind of poise and precision that has become his trademark.
This wasn’t just a big game - it was a historic one. Brunson’s 40-point outing is now the highest-scoring performance in NBA Cup semifinal or final history.
And it wasn’t a one-off. He’s now hit the 30-point mark in four straight games, and his season averages - 28.0 points and 6.4 assists per game on 47.1% shooting - are starting to demand attention from even the most casual MVP watchers.
Mike Brown Makes the MVP Case
After the win, Brown didn’t mince words when asked about his point guard’s impact.
“He makes the game easier for everybody,” Brown said. “That’s what MVPs are supposed to do, and he definitely did that tonight.”
Brown emphasized that Brunson’s ability to carry the team through stagnant stretches and deliver when it matters most is exactly what separates great players from elite ones.
“You have a guy like that that can go get a bucket, he keeps you in the game, gets you leads, and at the end of the day, he carries you home,” Brown added.
And while the MVP race is always crowded with big names and big markets, Brown believes Brunson’s name deserves to be right at the top of the list.
“There’s no campaign speech. I’m just telling the truth,” he said.
“He hasn’t gotten enough credit. When you’re first or second in either conference, and you’re putting up the numbers he’s putting up, his name has to be one of the first names coming out of some of these mouths.”
Team Effort Fuels Knicks’ Run
While Brunson was the star of the show, the Knicks got plenty of help. Karl-Anthony Towns turned in a strong performance with 29 points and eight rebounds, and OG Anunoby added 24 points of his own, giving New York a well-rounded offensive attack.
The Knicks shot a scorching 60.7% from the field and dominated the paint, pouring in 70 points inside against a Magic defense that’s been one of the stingiest in the East this season.
It was a statement win - not just because of the stakes, but because of how complete the performance was across the board.
Eyes on the Cup
Next up? A date with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Final on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. It marks the first time since 1973 that the Knicks will play for any kind of championship - a long drought that this team is looking to end in style.
As for Brunson, he’s not letting the MVP talk distract him. True to form, he kept the focus on the team and the bond he’s building with his head coach.
“It just shows the trust and the faith that he has in me,” Brunson said of Brown’s praise. “I’m very thankful of our relationship over these past couple months. It’s only going to continue to get better.”
If Brunson keeps playing like this, the Knicks’ season might be heading somewhere it hasn’t gone in decades - and the MVP buzz might just be getting started.