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Mike Brown Endorses Knicks Superstar in MVP Race

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown believes one of his players deserves some NBA MVP consideration.
Kenneth Teape|
Dec 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown at press conference prior to the Emirates Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown at press conference prior to the Emirates Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks accomplished something recently that they had yet to do in their franchise history: win a game in the Emirates NBA Cup beyond Pool Play.

The Knicks have done very well in the early going of the NBA Cup, advancing past Pool Play all three years the tournament has existed. However, they lost in the quarterfinals each of the last two years; that was not the case this time around.

New York defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-101 in the quarterfinals, advancing to the next stage held in Las Vegas. For the fourth time this season, they matched up against the Orlando Magic, and for the second straight time, defeated their Southeast Division foes.

A 132-120 victory secured the Knicks a spot in the NBA Cup championship against the San Antonio Spurs. Leading the way for New York was none other than Jalen Brunson, whom head coach Mike Brown believes should be in the discussion for the NBA MVP Award race.

Jalen Brunson deserves MVP consideration

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunso
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“I don’t ever hear Jalen [Brunson’s] name… his name has gotta be one of the first names coming out of some of these mouths,” Brown said following the team’s victory over the Magic.

The superstar point guard has certainly earned the endorsement from his head coach. Against Orlando, he made history by scoring 40 points. That is the most points scored by a player in an NBA Cup semifinal or finals game to this point.

The Magic had no answers for the dynamic scoring guard. Brunson shot 16 of 27 from the field, knocking down two of his five 3-point attempts. Uncharacteristically, he was only six of nine from the free throw line, but it didn’t hurt his team’s chances of winning.

What is arguably the most impressive part about his performance in the game was how he dictated pace and tempo. His scoring numbers were impressive, but he was also a willing playmaker, handing out a game-high eight assists.

It wasn’t just his performance against the Magic that drew such praise from his head coach. Brown has shown a willingness to go to bat for his star point guard previously. Early in the season, he mentioned there not being enough chatter surrounding Brunson and the case he is building to be in the MVP discussion.

Jalen Brunson taking production to new level under Mike Brown

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown, point guard Jalen Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns
Oct 31, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown talks with guard Jalen Brunson (11) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Coaches are always going to stick up for their players, but the award consideration for Brunson is warranted. A two-time All-Star who has helped put the franchise back on the map, he has taken his production to yet another level in the first season under Brown.

Brunson’s usage rate is up compared to last year at 31.4%. But, he has dropped his turnover percentage to a career-low 8.8% thus far this season.

He is averaging 28.8 points per game, which would be a career-high, on a .487/.376/.838 shooting split. His stat line is rounded out with 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 35.1 minutes per game.

That is all being accomplished while adjusting to a new scheme being implemented by Brown after playing under Tom Thibodeau the last two seasons in a much different game plan. The changes the new coaching staff has implemented are showing through with improved offensive efficiency, which Brunson is leading the charge on.

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Kenneth Teape
KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.

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