Jalen Brunson, the MVP trophy that fueled his campaign

He ends his speech with a burst of laughter, facing the press room for several minutes. Mike Brown has just reviewed all the elements that allow us to explain his Knicks’ win against the Spurs.

« Big team win », he summarizes, before stopping at the performance Jalen Brunsonnamed MVP of the NBA Cup, like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo before him.

« Obviously, Jalen is the MVP. I hope that from now on, when you talk about MVP candidates, his name will be one of the first in your mouth, because on this stage he will manage to do it with a win… (he pauses)again winning, in my opinion, is what MVP represents ».

Before adding to the reporters, pointing at them with a smile: ” So it does its job. » The now-common speech of the Knicks coach, who began a campaign to promote his playmaker, for the MVP race, very early in the season.

Even if he lacked skill against the Spurs, Jalen Brunson still had a full game with 25 points (11/27 shooting, including 1/5 from distance), 8 assists, 4 rebounds and even 2 blocks. With a +15 score when he was in the game. Previously, he scored 40 points against the Magic, and added 35 points against the Raptors’ defense.

Golden teammate

In other words, he was solid throughout the tournament, which makes winning this trophy undeniable. The whole challenge is to know if this award can affect the race for MVP of the regular seasonin which he finished in 10th place only last year.

He doesn’t seem to be thinking too much about it, at least not talking about it after this match. Instead of focusing on his performance, the person in question prefers to excel the influence of his teammates.

« I had to honor them. It’s important to me to make sure that the guys who come to play, who fight and help us win are recognized, especially if it’s not necessarily visible on the scoreboard », shows the former Mavericks player.

In his attitude and speech, Mike Brown also sees ” an incredible competitor “, but also ” amazing teammate ». « I’ve been around guys like that, we’re talking about Tim Duncan, Steph Curry, those guys. Seals (De’Aaron Fox)Bron. All these guys talk about their teammates because they know it’s a team sport first and foremost. » says Mike Brown, snapping his fingers.

« That’s why he’s not only the MVP when it comes to playing, but also the MVP in many other ways. I’m lucky, blessed, whatever you want to say, to work with a young man like him. Big thanks to his parents, that’s for sure. Like his sister. And his wife », concludes Mike Brown’s dithyramb.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.