Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Receives MVP Chants 3000 Miles Away From New York

The New York Knicks are in Portland tonight to face the Trail Blazers. While the Blazers hoped to get a home-court advantage in tonight’s game, Jalen Brunson’s early game heroics shifted the tide completely. Brunson started the game red hot and scored 12 of the Knicks’ first 16 points. The Blazers defense could not do anything to stop the in-form Knicks superstar in the first quarter.

Brunson’s scoring outburst even turned the Blazers’ arena in his favor. Despite being nearly 3000 miles away from New York, the All-Star received loud MVP chants from the fans at Moda Center. Brunson continued his incredible form in the second quarter and finished the half with 21 points. His performance helped the Knicks get a 55-41 lead over the home team at the end of the first half.

Although it is unusual to hear MVP chants for a superstar in the opposing arena, that is the kind of season Jalen Brunson has had. He has been a superstar for the Knicks and turned them into one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Thanks to Brunson, the Knicks are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 38-27 record.

Tonight’s MVP chants in Portland were reminiscent of Jalen Brunson’s historic night at MSG over a month ago. The same night Brunson got his first All-Star nod, he dropped 40 points at home in a win against the Pacers. The Knicks fans showered Brunson with love and filled MSG with loud MVP chants.

Brunson was overwhelmed by the response of the fans and could not hold back his tears.

Jalen Brunson stats in 2023-24

Jalen Brunson deserves all the praise he is getting for how he has played this season. He is having the best year of his young career, averaging 26.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. More importantly, he has helped the Knicks become relevant again. Brunson’s impact on the Knicks’ success is evident from their record without him. In the 5 games Brunson has missed so far, the Knicks have lost 4 of those games.

The All-Star has helped the Knicks stay among the top teams in the East despite several players missing time due to injury. In less than two seasons, Brunson has gone from being second fiddle to Luka Doncic in Dallas to a franchise player for the Knicks. He might not win the MVP this season. But Brunson will be the MVP in the eyes of the Knicks fans if he leads their team deep into the playoffs.

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