Jalen Brunson: New York Knicks' Clear MVP?

The mainstream NBA MVP race may be crowded but Jalen Brunson has undoubtedly filled that role for the New York Knicks this season.

Like fellow New York acquisition Reggie Jackson before him, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has been the straw to stir the drink for his team this season.

Brunson, 27, is averaging a career-best 28.2 points per game in his second campaign with the Knicks. Considering his reliability amidst countless injuries to major contributors, he has even warranted some NBA MVP consideration.

He may not win the league MVP award, but he'll certainly wrap up the team's unofficial honor, which Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report was more than happy to bestow in a team-by-team listing of individual postseason honors.

Apr 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) brings the ball up

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"Any time a player takes 47 shots and it kind of feels like he had to for his team to stay in the game, it's a good sign he's said team's MVP," Highest wrote. "Bunson's high-volume night against the San Antonio Spurs on March 29 netted him 61 points and included the most attempts since Kobe Bryant's 50-shot farewell game in 2016."

"On track for an All-NBA nod and sure to set new career highs if his current 27.9 points and 6.6 assists per game hold, Brunson is the reason the New York Knicks still have a shot at a top-four seed despite a myriad of injuries and several weeks without a single member of their starting frontcourt available."

If the Knicks are going to make any noise in the postseason, Brunson will have to continue being on his A-game and playing at an MVP level. A major opportunity awaits on Tuesday night when New York can inch closer to a top six playoff spot clinch and homecourt advantage against the Chicago Bulls at United Center (8 p.m. ET, MSG).