Brunson’s 40-piece sends Knicks to NBA Cup final and fuels MVP drumbeat

Jalen Brunson
December 2025

Jalen Brunson poured in 40 points with eight assists to lead the Knicks past the Magic and into the Emirates NBA Cup final, extending his run of consecutive 30-plus point games and sharpening calls for All-NBA and Kia MVP recognition as New York chases two trophies. Brunson matched Jalen Suggs in the first half then pulled away after the break, calmly controlling tempo while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby supplied strong support, prompting coach Mike Brown to publicly push his MVP case by emphasising how consistently Brunson carries the Knicks’ offense in big moments.