Knicks’ Jalen Brunson nearly brought to tears amid first All-Star selection, ‘MVP’ chants from fans
After spending his first four NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey native Jalen Brunson signed a four-year deal with the New York Knicks in July 2022.
Brunson went on to have a breakout campaign during his first season playing in a Knicks uniform in Madison Square Garden. He was one of the key pieces on a Knicks team that finished in the top-10 in offensive efficiency last season. New York also ended a decade-long playoff series win drought.
Brunson’s 2023-24 performance has been even more impressive than his first year in New York, which has lead to the point guard’s first career NBA All-Star selection.
Bruson made the Eastern Conference team as a reserve. He is averaging 27.1 points per game through 47 appearances this season. Brunson is also averaging 6.4 assists per contest this year.
The 27-year-old’s strong play has fueled the Knicks to 32 wins with just over two weeks remaining before the All-Star break.
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Brunson finished Thursday’s game against the Indiana Pacers with 40 points. It was the same night that he learned that he earned his first All-Star nod. During his postgame on-court interview, Bruson was overcome with emotion as “MVP” chants rained down from the fans inside the arena.
Brunson fell just short of being named an All-Star starter, as he finished in a tie with Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard in the combined weighted score. The fan vote ultimately gave Lillard the edge.
“I mean, I got nothing to say,” Brunson said during the touching moment. “I got nothing to say.”
Brunson’s teammate Julius Randle was also named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Randle is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a dislocated shoulder. He will not be able to suit up for the All-Star game which is being held at the Pacers’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Feb. 18.
Randle suffered the injury during the Knicks win over the Miami Heat on Jan. 27.
The Knicks currently sit in third place in the East, just half a game behind the Bucks.
“We kept fighting man,” Brunson said in reference to how the Knicks overcame Thursday night’s deficit. “No matter what, we’re gonna keep fighting. That’s what we do. We’re gonna keep fighting every single night. Especially here, man, this place is unbelievable.”
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