The Evolution of Jalen Brunson

We are lucky we get to watch this dude on a nightly basis. Let's make sure we don't take it for granted.

Final Score: Knicks 122 - Nuggets 112
Record: 32-16

The Knicks sprinted out a double-digit lead early in the first half Wednesday night when Nikola Jokic picked up two fouls just 90 seconds into the game. However, Denver hung close in the scored quarter and hit their stride in the third with their big man back in the game.

Midway through that third quarter, the Nuggets were ahead by eight. That's when Jalen Brunson decided to take over. Over the final six minutes of the period, Brunson poured in 15 points. He was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the free-throw stripe, giving New York a leading entering the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, it was clear that Denver decided they would not let Brunson beat them by himself, so they blitzed him, running two defenders at him when he passed halfcourt. So, how did The Captain respond? By patiently picking about Denver's defense with his passing. Brunson waited for the double to arrive and found open teammates possession after possession.

Brunson only took one shot in the 4Q but dished out seven dimes in the final seven minutes of regulation. With the maestro orchestrating the offense beautifully, six different Knicks scored at least three points in the final quarter as New York pulled away late, securing its fifth straight victory.

His prettiest assist came with just three minutes left in the contest. After KAT blocked a Russell Westbrook runner, Brunson secured the rebound and pushed the ball up the floor. After crossing halfcourt, he noticed Mikal Bridges streaking down the right side. So he throws a no-look pass to the rim, which Bridges catches and converts in one majestic action.

(It's also important to point out that Brunson signing a team-friendly extension this offseason enabled New York to add both Brides and KAT, the two other stars involved in this sequence).

Brunson finished the evening with 30 points (10-of-16 FGs, 7-of-7 FTs), four rebounds, 15 assists (vs. just two turnovers), two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers. He became just the fourth Knick to register at least 30 points and 15 assists in a single game and the first since 2009. It was the 11th time JB has tallied 30+ points and 10+ assists in a single game, tying Richie Guerin for the most such games in franchise history.

The whole second half vs. the Nuggets brilliantly illustrated Brunson's evolution. Last year, he may have forced contested shots unnecessarily down the stretch. However, because he is now surrounded by such immense offensive talent, the point guard has learned to pick and choose his spots.

After averaging 21.4 FG attempts per game last season, he is attempting 18.3 this season. His usage rate has dipped from 31.9% to 29.2%. Has Brunson, coming off a top-5 MVP campaign, complained? Nope. He's found other ways to help his club.