3 Jalen Brunson stats that New York Knicks fans will love
By Adam Kester
Jalen Brunson can get to the rim
The Knicks have not only been missing a point guard, but they’ve also been missing any player who can get to the rack.
With Derrick Rose out for most of last season, New York’s backcourt was sorely missing players who were effective at driving to the rim. Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley much prefer to operate along the perimeter. Even among their wings, only RJ Barrett seemed to have any sort of urgency to drive to the paint.
This is an area where Brunson excels. His rim pressure is absolutely lethal. Brunson ranked fourth among 106 qualified guards in his field goal percentage when driving to the rim. This doesn’t have to do with just his layup package or finishing AT the rim. It’s just as much about his in-between game.
Jalen Brunson shot 59% around the rim, 58% on floaters, 48% in the midrange, and 38% from beyond the arc in the half court last season.
— Synergy Basketball (@SynergySST) July 1, 2022
I already touched on Brunson’s dazzling dribble combos, but his wide array of finishing moves is just as extensive. Whether it’s using his body to shield and take bumps, or using quick releases on floaters and scoop layups, he simply finds ways to finish at the rim.
Brunson burned 'em 🤭 pic.twitter.com/ceG2c0s6Z4
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 7, 2021
It’s his preferred method of attack, break down the defender and go to the rim. The Knicks could really benefit from having a guard who can penetrate opposing defenses.
New York’s offense oftentimes feels like a game of hot potato with players just dancing along the perimeter, taking two or three dribbles, going nowhere, ultimately just skipping the ball around the perimeter. They needed someone whose first option is to drive, and they now have it in Brunson.