Knicks coach Mike Brown puts Jalen Brunson in MVP talks

The New York Knicks powered past the Orlando Magic 132-120 on Saturday night behind a dazzling performance from guard Jalen Brunson.

Brunson posted 40 points, four rebounds and eight assists against Orlando. He shot 16/27 (59.3%) from the field and went 2/5 from 3-point range. Knicks head coach Mike Brown had high praise for his star point guard after the win.

“When you have an MVP of the league candidate in Jalen Brunson… he makes the game easier for everybody,” Brown said. “That’s what MVPs are supposed to do.”

Brunson’s now averaging 28.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game this season. He’s shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.6% from three. The win over the Magic was Brunson’s first 40-point game this season and fourth straight game with at least 30 points.

The Knicks, who’ve won five consecutive games, are second in the Eastern Conference at 18-7, trailing only the Detroit Pistons.

“When you’re first or second in either conference and you’re putting up the numbers he’s putting up, his name his name has got to be one of this first names.”

While Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver’s Nikola Jokic are considered the frontrunners for the award, Brown believes Brunson hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves.

“Every time I hear somebody bring up conversation about MVP, you see a lot of other great candidates that are well deserving,” Brown said. “But I don’t ever hear Jalen’s name.”

Brunson and the Knicks will look to win the franchise’s first NBA Cup championship on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.