Jalen Brunson, NBA Finals MVP

Jalen Brunson has been crowned the NBA Finals MVP, capping off a historic season for the New York Knicks by leading them to their first championship in more than half a century. The guard's exceptional performance throughout the series culminated in a dominant showing in the deciding Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs.

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It is everything I always dreamed of. That's why I came to New York.

Brunson poured in 45 points in the final game, a performance that sealed the series victory for the Knicks and earned him the prestigious Bill Russell Trophy. Visibly emotional after the win, Brunson described the moment as a lifelong dream realized. "It is everything I always dreamed of. That's why I came to New York," he stated.

Speaking on court shortly after the victory, Brunson expressed his elation and disbelief. "I don't know what I feel. I'm hallucinating, amazed. I don't know. Every time someone counts us out, we find a way to come back and respond on the court," he said. He credited his success to his unwavering work ethic, recalling countless hours of solitary training since childhood.

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I don't know what I feel. I'm hallucinating, amazed. I don't know. Every time someone counts us out, we find a way to come back and respond on the court.

Throughout the five-game Finals, Brunson was the engine of the Knicks' offense, averaging an impressive 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2 steals per contest. He succeeds Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 Finals MVP who led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the championship.

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My confidence comes from my work ethic. Every time I received the ball, I thought about all the hours I've spent training every summer, since I was a child, dreaming of making this moment come true. When I had the ball in my hands, all I saw was myself alone in the gym working to get here.