Jalen Brunson: "This is everything we've ever dreamed of, this is why I came to New York"

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson declared he had fulfilled a lifelong dream after leading his New York Knicks to their first title in 53 years, thanks to his stellar performance in the decisive 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

The 29-year-old guard capped off an exceptional season with the championship trophy. He was the Knicks' undisputed leading scorer, averaging 26 points per game, and maintained the best scoring average across all players in the playoffs, with 28.4 points over 19 games.

He was unanimously voted the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals' final game, where he dropped an impressive 45 points.

"This is everything we've ever dreamed of. This is why I came to New York," Jalen Brunson told ESPN after receiving the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy.

The Knicks' guard became the third-highest scorer in an NBA Finals clinching game with his 45 points, matching Michael Jordan's 45-point effort for the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals against the Utah Jazz. Only Giannis Antetokounmpo (50 for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Phoenix Suns in 2021) and Bob Pettit (50 for the St. Louis Hawks – now Atlanta Hawks – against the Boston Celtics in 1958) have scored more in such a pivotal game.

"Words can't describe it, but I'll say I put a lot of time and effort into being the best player I can be and helping the team win. I'm just very grateful that this club, the coaching staff, and my teammates have my back every day. That means the most to me and my family," Brunson explained.