Knicks' Jalen Brunson named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
The New York Knicks receive the Eastern Conference Finals trophy, along with Jalen Brunson being named series MVP.
There was no doubt who was leading the charge for the Knicks in their first run to the NBA Finals in 27 years.
Jalen Brunson was unanimously named the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player on Monday after leading New York to a resounding series sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York won 11 straight games on its way to the NBA Finals and Brunson scored 16 points in Monday night’s 130-93 Game 4 clincher. Brunson averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game against Cleveland while shooting 48.7% overall in that series.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is the recipient of the Larry Bird Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/MsLPgQ5Ljd
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 26, 2026
Jalen Brunson received all nine votes from a media panel covering the Eastern Conference Finals.
The voting panel ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JuKA7hkdNy
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 26, 2026
Jalen Brunson with the Larry Bird Trophy 🏆
Eastern Conference Finals MVP ✅
Brunson and the Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999! https://t.co/bJ184XERo5 pic.twitter.com/QcRzDqTDn5
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2026
“It’s an honor to be here in this city and this organization,” Brunson said, sitting side-by-side with former Villanova University teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“We’re still writing our story, but I like the journey that we’re on right now.”
Skepticism abounded around the league when New York extended a four-year, $104 million contract to the then-Dallas Mavericks guard in 2022. Brunson silenced many critics when he averaged 24 ppg in his first season, then added three straight All-Star selections.
After helping the Knicks reach the East Finals in 2025, when they lost to the upstart Indiana Pacers, Brunson was the best player in the series from start to finish against the Cavaliers. In Game 1, his 38-point masterpiece fueled New York’s comeback from a 22-point hole in the fourth quarter.
“He just puts in the work. He’s a testament of that,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said. “He believes in that, and he showcases that every single day to all of us and it drives us to be better.”
Brunson’s work ethic instantly impressed New York coach Mike Brown when he was hired last summer, then forced him to change his sleep habits during the season as the 29-year-old went all out in morning shootarounds. It prompted Brown to compare his determination to basketball legends Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan.
“Their quiet strength, all the time, is what they all have in common,” Brown said. “Jalen’s work ethic is off the chart and he makes me adjust because he goes so hard every day. When your leader is that way, it’s easy to be a coach.”
The Knicks subsequently brought in Bridges and Hart via trades, and acquired Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves as the final piece of the puzzle. That core four is now just four wins away from delivering the franchise its first NBA title since 1973.
“There is no player, no other guard I’d want to be in this position with than J.B.,” Bridges said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.