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6 guards that will challenge Knicks’ Jalen Brunson in first days of 2022-23 season

ByBrandon Simmons|
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 03: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 03, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 03: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 03, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) – New York Knicks

LaMelo Ball

Possibly the future of the NBA, LaMelo Ball is one of the most popular young players in the league today as he made his first All-Star team last year.

Last season, he was injured in Charlotte’s first meeting with Dallas, so he did not suit up. Brunson started in place of Luka, finishing with 13 points in the blowout victory.

The Hornets got their payback in their second meeting as LaMelo hit five three-pointers on the way to 17 points and seven assists. He was a +29 on the floor for Charlotte. Brunson struggled for the Mavericks, scoring 10 points and shooting under 40% from the field in the blowout loss.

I’m sure that LaMelo will spend some time defending Brunson with his 6’7” frame. We’ll have to wait and see what Jalen has in store for him.

Jrue Holiday

One third of the Big Three for the Milwaukee Bucks has had quite a career. Jrue Holiday might be the player Jalen Brunson can mirror his game after. They’re both short and stocky, they both play defense, and they both just put their heads down and let their work speak for themselves.

After playing for a few teams, Holiday has found a home in Milwaukee. Now, he is an NBA Champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist! Jrue’s name is highly praised around the league from his peers.

In Milwaukee’s first matchup with Dallas last season, the Bucks came away with the win as Holiday scored 24 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Brunson had 19 to go with eight assists in the loss. The Mavericks won their next meeting as Brunson scored 15 points while Holiday put up 20.

It will be fun to see these traditional style point guards battle four times a year.

Darius Garland

Budding Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland is up next! He had a great season last year that resulted in an All-Star selection. Plus, he just signed an extension with Cleveland for five years, worth $231 million! He sure is special.

In his first matchup versus Brunson last season, he excelled while Brunson struggled. In a blowout victory, Garland finished with a +22 racking up 18 points and nine assists. Bronson came off the bench, scoring five points in 22 minutes as he was a -33 on the court.

In their second matchup, Brunson was a little better as the Mavericks got their revenge. Brunson scored 18 points with six assists while Garland posted a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists.

Will Jalen Brunson be able to step up to the challenge? We hope so.

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