BRUNSON HAS 'THE NUMBERS' TO BE MVP

Knicks coach amazed spark behind team's form not getting recognition he deserves

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With an average of 28.5 points per game this National Basketball Association (NBA) season, Jalen Brunson has been the driving force behind the New York Knicks’ surge up to second in the Eastern Conference standings.

His tally, which included 37 points in the 118-109 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov 28, saw him named NBA Player of the Week, alongside Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers.

New York coach Mike Brown believes Brunson, who has surpassed 30 points in nine out of 17 outings this season, should be in the Most Valuable Player conversation.

“The numbers he’s putting up are pretty good,” said Brown, who called the 29-year-old guard the “engine” behind their form.

“I don’t see it all the time, but when I see people talking (about MVP candidates), or I see lists, I never see him, and I’m amazed at the lack of attention that he gets for what he’s done in this league already — and what he continues to do, night in and night out.

“Especially when he’s the guy on a team that’s in a pretty good spot in their conference.”