Knicks star Jalen Brunson picks bone with Nikola Jokic leading MVP ladder despite Nuggets’ struggles

After delivering a 44-point performance at home, Jalen Brunson weighed in on the MVP race, criticizing the media for painting narratives.

Knicks star Jalen Brunson picks bone with Nikola Jokic leading MVP ladder despite Nuggets’ struggles

Jalen Brunson gives his opinions on MVP voting.

Every year, the NBA awards its Most Valuable Player with the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. The best contenders are voted upon by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from across the league. However, due to voter bias and the subjective interpretation of “valuable,” the process often faces a lot of public scrutiny. With the media playing such a pivotal role, they can exploit their power to shape personal narratives.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and his teammate Josh Hart recently recapped the same idea. On their podcast Roommates Show, Jalen Brunson underscored the hypocrisy of NBA media by using the disparity in journalist’s portrayals of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic during MVP race. Calling out the media, here’s what JB had to say.

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“Jokic is playing absolutely absurd. His numbers are crazy, right. (But) they’re not seeded where they were last year, and people are still talking about him like being the MVP, right. Individually, he deserves it, but when Luka was averaging damn near a triple-double, but their seed was nowhere people wanted to be, they were like, ‘Oh, he shouldn’t get the MVP because of seeding.’ …I’m just like, why do certain narratives work for some of them people?”– Jalen Brunson to co-host Josh Hart

It’s hard to refute the strong argument the Knicks guard is making here. “Mr. New York” is highlighting how “certain narratives” work for certain people. Recognizing the Serbian center’s offensive prowess, Brunson questioned whether Jokic is receiving special treatment. While it’s nothing new for broadcasters to form bonds with their favorite players, it’s a fresh notion to see them actively building up their preferred athletes.

Nevertheless, despite JB’s backhanded compliment to Nikola Jokic, he is a front-runner in this year’s MVP race. Currently the former MVP is having a career-best season so far as he continues to frequent triple-doubles. The Joker is the season-leader in numerous statistics this historic season. As of now, Jokic is averaging 31.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 9.8 dimes and 1.8 steals.

Jalen Brunson’s 44-Point show earns high praise from Greek Freak

Jalen Brunson delivered an electrifying 44-point performance for New York fans at Madison Square Garden. Defeating the NBA Cup winners, the Milwaukee Bucks, in a 140-106 rout at home, the Knicks secured a decisive victory. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed with 30 points of his own. However, Brunson appeared to get hurt during the third quarter and retreated to the locker room. The arena erupted in cheers when their leader emerged from the tunnel to rejoin the game.

This marked Brunson’s 17th 40-point performance as a Knick, tying him with New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony. After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo praised his Eastern Conference rival for his outstanding display.

“One of the best players in the league. One of the best point guards in the league…He takes his time; whenever you show your hand, he’s gonna take advantage…He’s extremely smart so you just gotta do a better job on him“- Giannis on Brunson

This was a crucial matchup for both teams, who are legitimate championship contenders. The Knicks, led by “Mr. New York,” are currently in 3rd place with a 26-14 record, whereas the Bucks are holding onto the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference with 20 wins in 37 games.

Jalen Brunson’s impact on the Knicks has been profound, significantly altering the team’s trajectory from a middling franchise to a contender in the Eastern Conference. This season, hopes are even higher in New York City due to the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns. In his third year at the Mecca of Basketball, JB is averaging 25.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.