Jalen Brunson scored 45 points on Saturday night to lead the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Brunson earned Finals Most Valuable Player honors after averaging 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across the five-game series.
He carried the offensive load on a night when teammate Karl-Anthony Towns was limited to two points.
The performance made Brunson only the third player standing 6 feet 3 inches or shorter to lead a championship team in scoring and win NBA Finals MVP.
He joins Isiah Thomas and Stephen Curry in that exclusive group.
Teammates Praise Brunson's Leadership
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson expressed amazement at Brunson's closeout game performance. "That was unreal, just literally unreal," said Robinson.
"I'm speechless."
Robinson highlighted Brunson's leadership during difficult stretches. "His mindset, his work ethic, his energy that he just brings," said Robinson.
"When stuff gets rough, we have a little sit-down talk and he gets us back on track, like a leader, like a captain."
Guard Landry Shamet credited Brunson for carrying the team's offense during a difficult shooting night. "We owe him," said Shamet.
"We weren't great offensively tonight, but he is generationally great offensively."
Shamet noted the team has grown accustomed to Brunson's high-level play. "There's really not a whole lot to say.
We all saw it. He carried us in a lot of different ways," said Shamet.
Coach Brown Advocates for MVP Consideration
Knicks coach Mike Brown advocated for Brunson to be seriously considered among the elite players in the league.
"I've said it, and I hope you guys will listen to me, but he's a top-three MVP candidate," said Brown.
Brown dismissed critics who questioned Brunson's physical stature. "People say he's too small.
People say he's a 1B or a 2B or whatever. He is a freaking 1A.
He is an MVP candidate," said Brown.
Brown also credited Brunson's parents for establishing his competitive approach.
"I've got to give his mom credit, and I hate to say this but I'm going to give his dad credit, too.
He understands what winning is about," said Brown.
Brunson reflected on his family history when asked about the pressures of being the franchise face. "No pressure whatsoever," said Brunson.
"My dad being on eight or nine unguaranteed contracts throughout his career and not knowing when you're going to get cut, while your family is on the east coast and you are wherever you are in the country, that's pressure."
Brunson noted that observing his father's career journey directly influenced his own mental approach. "I'm just never afraid to fail," said Brunson.
Brunson celebrated the title alongside guard Mikal Bridges, who won college national championships with him at Villanova University in 2016 and 2018.
"I've known him for so long," said Bridges.
"I know how much he works, how good of a person he is, how good of a basketball player he is.
I'm just grateful to be on his side again."
Bridges emphasized Brunson's impact beyond statistics. "We follow him," said Bridges.
"It makes it easy for us. Very grateful to have Jalen be that guy, and we just follow his lead."
Guard Josh Hart stated that the championship core had been prepared for this moment since their collegiate career under former coach Jay Wright.
"We've been built for this moment. We've been forged in fire," said Hart.
Hart, Brunson, and Bridges became the first trio of teammates in basketball history to win both an NCAA title and an NBA championship together.
"This one takes the cake," said Hart.
Brunson recalled sharing an emotional moment with his father and Hart on the court after the final buzzer.
"I walked right to half-court, shook [Spurs coach] Mitch Johnson's hand, and then turned around and my dad was there," said Brunson.
"Then I just remember Josh talking into my ear and him just saying, 'We did it. We did it.'"
When asked what was required to register 45 points and deliver the championship to New York, Brunson provided a concise response.
"Everything," said Brunson.
