Jalen Brunson dismisses MVP talk with ‘winning’ claim

With The New York Knicks have been riding high lately in December, there is no doubt that the team is led by a guard Jalen Brunsonis coming off another impressive outing. As Brunson fought for the Knicks against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, the head coach Mike Brown talks about the star contending for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, which has led to a backlash.

Against the Bucks, Brunson tied for a season-high 37 points, shooting 12 of 21 from the field, four of six from deep, with five assists, one rebound and one steal. When Brunson was asked what he thought of Brown saying he should be considered for the MVP, and if he was thinking about it, he would prefer victory over anything.

“I was thinking about more wins than winning the MVP,” Brunson said, via SNI Knicks . “It’s not something I think about. Honestly, when you win, everybody eats, so just focus on winning as a team.”

Jalen Brunson was asked about Mike Brown’s comments about why Brunson should be in the MVP conversation and if Brunson ever thought about being an NBA MVP growing up:

“I was thinking about more wins than winning the MVP. It’s not something I think about. Honestly, when… pic.tvitter.com/6UcekCvsHR

— Knicks Videos (@sni_knicks) November 29, 2025

Knicks’ Mike Brown on Jalen Brunson being an MVP candidate

While it is The Knicks star gets flowersthere’s no question the 29-year-old should get some MVP consideration, as Brown said Friday night. Brunson is averaging 29.1 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game so far this season while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range.

Brown would make the argument that there was “not enough chatter” about Brunson being an MVP candidate.

“He should be talked about now, and it’s early, but as you know, (as) a potential MVP. There’s not enough chatter, which is early, so I’m not mad, but the guy was 37 tonight on 12-of-21, and he’s getting shots a lot and playing real basketball,” Brown said.

“So he basically did what he was supposed to do, and that’s why I don’t talk a lot about it, because that’s what he’s capable of doing, and that’s what he’s supposed to do, being of his stature,” Brown continued. “Hopefully, you and your peers will really start talking the right way about this young man in terms of him, to talk about the MVP, because that’s what he is.”

“He should be talked about now, and it’s early, but as a potential MVP.”

– Mike Brown on Jaylen Brunson pic.tvitter.com/gUZ1RjSkkt

— Knicks Videos (@sni_knicks) November 29, 2025

Either way, Brunson will continue to lead New York, with the team looking to make it four straight wins Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.