Just now, the New York Knicks picked up a much-needed road victory.

It wasn’t easy because they had to grind it out against the Sacramento Kings, a young squad that will definitely make the playoffs, in the Western Conference.

It was a traditional, rugged game, one that the Knicks are no strangers to.

Interestingly, Jalen Brunson scored 42 points and sent out a couple of assists to account for about half of his team’s total of 98 points.

Because of this, Kings coach Mike Brown gave him a tip of the cap after the game, referring to him as “a helluva player” and complimenting him on his ability to overcome double teams and still score over 40 points against them (via New York Basketball).

Kings coach Mike Brown on Jalen Brunson: “Man, he’s a helluva player. I don’t know if––Steph maybe––we blitzed anybody as much as we did Jalen tonight…& he still scored 42…Jalen shot 50% from the 3 & over 50% from the field, & we sent the double team at him every single time he…

 

Although the Kings aren’t the league’s top defensive club, Brown has helped them advance significantly.

With the season he’s having and the effect he’s making for the Knicks, Brunson has emerged as one of the league’s most underappreciated players and could be a strong contender for MVP.

Because of all the ailments, Tom Thibodeau’s squad went through a little hard stretch. Brunson has carried on with the majority of the heavy work when Julius Randle and/or OG Anunoby have been sidelined.

This club is more likely to contend for a title than most people realize, and a large portion of that may be attributed to Brunson’s arrival.

Now that everyone is well, the supporters are hoping that they can make another push and return to the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly thirty years.