Casual NBA Fanatic Podcast

Does Finals MVP SUDDENLY make Brunson Top 5?

Henry Minahan Episode 69

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0:00 | 17:21

In this episode, I break down whether Jalen Brunson has forced his way into the top-5 player conversation after another elite playoff run with the Knicks.

With New York making a serious Finals push, Brunson’s case is built around clutch shot creation, scoring reliability, offensive control, and his ability to carry high-level playoff possessions. I dive into how his scoring inevitability, angle manipulation, pace control, and late-game shot-making have elevated the Knicks into a legitimate championship threat.

I also look at the context around him, including New York’s improved offensive support, the value of their role players, and how their physicality gives them a real edge. From there, I compare Brunson’s case to the players fighting around that top-five range, including Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum.

A full discussion on Brunson’s playoff rise, what a Finals run could mean for his ranking, and whether he has truly done enough to enter the NBA’s top tier.