Jalen Brunson’s Unimaginable Year With the Knicks

On November 3, Jalen Brunson’s remarkable run with the New York Knicks included an NBA championship, Finals MVP honors, a hosting appearance on Saturday Night Live and an upcoming role on Law & Order: SVU. The former Stevenson High School star said he never expected to have a year like this one.

Brunson led the Knicks to their first title since 1973 in June. That month, he emceed Saturday Night Live, becoming part of a small group of NBA greats that includes Michael Jordan. He is set to appear as Detective Madison on Law & Order: SVU, alongside series regular Mariska Hargitay.

The Dallas Mavericks drafted Brunson in 2018, and he signed with the Knicks in 2022. The Chicago Bulls passed on him in that draft, selecting Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchinson with their first-round picks. Brunson grew up watching basketball at Chicago’s United Center, where his father, Rick, had played for the Bulls and later worked as an assistant coach.

Brunson scored a season-high 38 points against Chicago at the United Center last week, making 52% of his shots overall and 60% beyond the arc. He said the shots falling helped him move past the “unnecessary commentary” in his head during a recent shooting slump. He will face the Bulls again at Madison Square Garden on November 4.

Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Brunson’s competitiveness and determination, saying those qualities make him an extraordinary player despite his lack of the size and athleticism common among NBA stars. Brunson has ranked among the top five in the league’s Clutch Player of the Year voting for four straight seasons and won the award in 2025.

Brunson also spoke warmly about his relationship with former Bull Derrick Rose, whom he considers a mentor. He recalled meeting players at the United Center as a child, including the late Kobe Bryant, and said he remains close with Rose and his family.