New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) smiles after scoring in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Brunson continues to show why he can carry Knicks in playoffs

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/14/24

Guard Jalen Brunson could carry the New York Knicks on a deep playoff run after the budding star had one of the best regular seasons in the team's history.

On Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, Brunson had 40 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 120-119 overtime victory. According to Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press, it was his 11th game with 40 points, tying for the second most in franchise history behind Bernard King.

Jalen Brunson has hit 40 points for the 11th time this season, tying Patrick Ewing for second-most in Knicks history. Bernard King did it 13 times in 1984-85.
— Brian Mahoney (@briancmahoney) April 14, 2024

The Knicks (50-32), meanwhile, secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference after the Milwaukee Bucks (49-33) fell to the Orlando Magic (47-35) 113-88 on Sunday. It's the first time New York has won 50 or more games since 2012-13.

Brunson is one reason the Knicks are having their best season in over a decade. In 76 regular-season games, the 27-year-old averaged a career-high 28.6 points per game, earning his first All-Star nod.

He's been on a hot streak over the past seven games. Per The Athletic, he scored 30 points or more in every game and had two double-doubles.

Jalen Brunson is heading into the playoffs on a tear

◽️ 40 PTS, 7 AST vs. CHI
◽️ 30 PTS, 11 AST vs. BKN
◽️ 39 PTS, 6 3PM vs. BOS
◽️ 45 PTS, 7 3PM vs. CHI
◽️ 43 PTS, 8 AST vs. MIL
◽️ 35 PTS, 11 AST vs. CHI
◽️ 35 PTS, 11 AST vs. SAC

The Knicks clinch the East's No. 2 seed. pic.twitter.com/vb6pFbf61E
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 14, 2024

"The way he plays, the things he can do, it's definitely special," Knicks forward OG Anunoby recently said of Brunson, via The Athletic's Fred Katz. "He's one of the best in the league. He's playing like an MVP; (he) should win MVP."

Despite Brunson's recent play, he probably won't win MVP. In its latest MVP ladder, NBA.com ranked Brunson at No. 8.

Still, he's the Knicks' most valuable player, and they must continue to ride his hot hand heading into the playoffs. New York will host the Miami Heat or the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

More must-reads: