Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks' star player, has taken his scoring prowess to a whole new level this season. Last year, he was the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year, known for his ability to will his team to victory in the most intense moments. But this season, Brunson has flipped the script. He's no longer the player teams fear, but rather the player who sets the tone early and often. In the Knicks' recent victory over the Toronto Raptors, Brunson scored 35 points, with 20 of those coming in the first quarter. This is not a fluke, as Brunson is averaging 10.6 points per game in the first quarters this season, only bested by Luka Dončić. Brunson's scoring prowess is not just about his ability to score, but also his efficiency. He scores off the dribble, is a spot-up shooter, and gets to the line, all while being only 6 feet 2 inches tall. His elite footwork and control make him one of the best scorers in the NBA, and the Knicks are reaping the benefits of his early-game dominance. While Brunson may not be the fastest or strongest player, his skill level and shooting ability make him a force to be reckoned with. The Knicks want to be able to take down teams without relying on Brunson's heroics, but it's clear that letting him score early and often is the best course of action. Brunson's ability to set the tone early and often is a key reason for the Knicks' success this season, and it's something to watch out for as the season progresses.
