USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks franchise spearhead Jalen Brunson has been on a roll this season. Apart from registering his career-high score of 50 points, he has also dropped his fourth 40-pointer during the Thursday night match-up. His performance reignited the best guard debate in the NBA world.
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Brunson took on the Washington Wizards in a close game at home. Both sides had a cat-and-mouse game throughout the evening until the ace point guard, Jalen Brunson, stepped on the gas in the last quarter and took home a 113-109 win. He dropped 41 points with 8 rebounds and assists, igniting the ‘Best guard’ debate.
Ever since the Knicks roped in Jalen Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks, the 27-year-old has been an anchor of the NY side’s offense. Along with the appreciation, he has controversial no calls whenever he approaches the paint. Amid these circumstances, he helped the Knicks reach the 5th seed in the East.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
On the other hand, it hasn’t been a great season for the guards as two of the most sought-after guards are having a pretty poor season. While Ja Morant has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stephen Curry is struggling to find buckets. On the other hand, Brunson, despite being constantly criticized for his short stature, has carried the Knicks so far in the season, averaging 25 points with 6.4 assists per game.
These dominating figures have put him at the top of the list for the best guards of this season. Shane Young, a reporter at Forbes Sports, wrote, “Jalen Brunson is a stud. For him to be at this level and get to his spots every single time, despite the size limitation, is outrageous.”
Jalen Brunson is a stud. For him to be at this level and get to his spots every single time, despite the size limitation, is outrageous. Practically 60% TS on the sesson, too.
The list of guards better than him this year is pretty short.
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) January 19, 2024
Apart from that, he also maintained an impressive shooting percentage of 47% in this season.
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How much ever praise the star guard has received, he also received an equal amount of criticism. Let’s find out about that as well.
Criticisms on Brunson
Brunson is one of the short ballers in the NBA world. While it has always been the league for tall players, only a few short players like Stephen Curry and Isiah Thomas have made a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Brunson, who also has a 6 ‘2 stature, faced the lashes of criticism from the WNBA legend Becky Hammon. She said, “But at the end of the day they don’t have a Dude…you gotta have a 1A Dude,” in an ESPN show.
ESPN Becky Hammon on Knicks: “They’re not getting into that tier…don’t have the personnel…don’t have the manpower…pretty good team…but at the end of the day they don’t have a Dude…you gotta have a 1A Dude”
Kendrick Perkins: “…They do have that dude. Jalen Brunson“
Hammon:… pic.twitter.com/lSdt96BFz5
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 21, 2023
Moreover, when Kendrick Perkins interfered with highlighting Brunson, she replied, “Naw he too small…If your best player is small, you’re not winning.”
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Do you think Brunson is the best point guard in the league right now? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
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