The New York Knicks had a crazy week, bouncing back from tough losses against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers to go 3-0. Over the weekend, they notched two road comeback wins led by Jalen Brunson’s clutch heroics. The guard has been easily the NBA’s most clutch player, consistently showing up when it matters. The statistics regarding his and the Knicks’ performance in close games are mind-blowing, and it should earn Brunson Clutch Player of the Year.
Jalen Brunson Locking Up Clutch Player of the Year
In Memphis on Friday, New York overcame a ten-point third-quarter deficit to win on an OG Anunoby game-winning three. Last night, they came back from down 19 to beat Miami in overtime. Neither comeback was possible without Brunson’s absurd clutch performances, as he’s done all year. Against the Grizzlies, Brunson hit a go-ahead three with 24.1 seconds remaining. After Ja Morant‘s and-one bucket, Brunson assisted Anunoby’s three to put New York in the lead for good.
In the comeback over the Heat, NY’s captain was masterful down the stretch. In the final five minutes of the fourth plus overtime, Brunson was 6-8 from the floor with 14 points. He effortlessly worked out of the post against smaller defenders and hit a big three off a screen. Yet again, when New York needed him most, their leader found a way to get it done.
Jalen Brunson leads the @nyknicks to the 19-point comeback W, their largest comeback of the season 👊
🗽 31 PTS
🗽 6 AST
🗽 5 REB
🗽 52.0 FG%NYK wins their 3rd in a row! pic.twitter.com/KqJwVmjbus
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2025
Jalen Brunson’s Clutch Stats Don’t Seem Real
In 23 clutch games, the Knicks are 16-7, and Brunson is the main reason why. In those situations, he’s averaging 5.7 points (second in the NBA is Tyrese Maxey at 4.9) and 1.0 assists on 64.1% true shooting. He’s been the league’s best late-game player by a wide margin, and the Clutch Player of the Year odds reflect that.
New York is 10-0 in their last ten clutch games, and it’s mostly because of Brunson. He has a myriad of incredible statistics to support his case for the game’s greatest clutch performer in a league with players like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Knicks are a perfect 10-0 in their last ten games they've played which have been decided by five points or less.
In the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime in those ten contests, Jalen Brunson has scored 77 points on 44 FG attempts, shooting over 59% from…
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) March 3, 2025
New York’s Late-Game Mastery Could Pay Playoff Dividends
For all of the negativity surrounding this team’s ability to beat the top-three teams in the league, their knack for coming away with these close contests should give them confidence entering the playoffs. Assuming are more competitive come the postseason against Boston and Cleveland, their smooth late-game offense gives them a chance in any game. The Knicks trust Brunson in the clutch as much as anyone in the NBA. They just have to reach the endgame in striking distance to have a shot to win.
Furthermore, with Mitchell Robinson back in the lineup, New York now has deadly defensive lineups to weaponize. In both wins over the weekend, Tom Thibodeau used their lockdown unit to get key stops late in the game. Miles McBride, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Anunoby, and Robinson are as good a defensive group as you’ll find. The Knicks finally have their full rotation back, with Brunson leading the way. Ultimately, this squad can’t be counted out as long as they stay healthy for the playoffs.
© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
