Jalen Brunson is making headlines after a Sportico ranking placed him above Michael Jordan in clutch playoff performances since 1997. The Knicks guard backed it up on the court with 30 points and 13 in the fourth quarter, leading New York to a 105-95 Game 1 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Jalen Brunson became the main talking point after the New York Knicks opened the NBA Finals with a 105-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs, not only because of his performance, but also because of a surprising statistical comparison involving Michael Jordan.
The Knicks took Game 1 on the road after a strong comeback, erasing a double-digit deficit in the third quarter and closing the game late to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brunson once again played the biggest role in the win. He finished with 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, taking control when the game was on the line.
What made the performance stand out even more was a graphic by Sportico, which placed Brunson at the top of the NBA's clutch rankings since 1997. In that sample, he is listed ahead of Michael Jordan, with Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following behind.
The ranking immediately sparked debate, especially because it places Brunson above one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, the data only goes back to 1997, meaning parts of Jordan's career are not included in the comparison.
Brunson's overall shooting numbers were not perfect, as he finished 38.7 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three, but his impact in the clutch moments decided the outcome for New York.
Still, the numbers highlight what Brunson has been doing in recent seasons. The Knicks guard has built a reputation as one of the league's most reliable closers, repeatedly delivering in late-game situations on the biggest stage.
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