December 14, 2025 — Guard Jalen Brunson continues to defy the NBA’s size trends, ranking eighth in the league in points per game despite standing under 6-6. Only Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey, who are similar in height, score more, leading The Athletic to label Brunson “pound-for-pound the best scorer in the NBA.”
“He keeps the game simple and challenges you every possession,” Orlando guard Jalen Suggs said. “He’s one of the best players in our league.”
Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade noted lingering doubts about whether a lead guard Brunson’s size can win a title but pointed to Golden State’s three-point revolution as proof that norms can change. “Anything is possible,” Wade said. “For Jalen to be as great as he needs to be, everybody around him has to get better.”
Brown’s immediate imprint
First-year head coach Mike Brown has injected pace and physicality, helping the Knicks look sturdier than last season. “Our physicality is extremely better,” forward Josh Hart said, crediting Brown for letting defenders disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim. Brown’s ability to coax stronger defense from Karl-Anthony Towns has some observers touting him as a candidate for a third Coach of the Year award.
Kolek rises with McBride sidelined
An ankle injury to Miles McBride has opened minutes for rookie guard Tyler Kolek. In Saturday’s win over Orlando, Kolek posted a team-best plus-17 and steadied the offense late in the third quarter and early in the fourth. “He impacted winning on a big stage,” Towns said. “It might not show on the stat sheet, but everybody in the locker room knows how important he was tonight.”
Cup Final test vs. Spurs
The Knicks will try to cement their contender status Tuesday when they face San Antonio in the NBA Cup Finals. The Spurs, who eliminated league-leading Oklahoma City in the semifinals, own the West’s fourth-best record with a notably young core. A flat showing could prompt New York to reassess its roster ahead of trade season, team officials acknowledged.
Source: HoopsRumors
