Career Timeline of Jalen Brunson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jalen Brunson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jalen Brunson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent his first four seasons, Brunson had a successful college career at Villanova, winning two national championships. As a junior, he was recognized as the national player of the year.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Oscar Robertson's Playoff Performance

In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson achieved a notable performance that was later matched by Jalen Brunson.

1989: Michael Jordan's The Shot

In the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan made "The Shot", a performance comparable to Brunson closing out a playoff series with consecutive 40+-point games.

1993: Jordan's NBA Finals Performance

During the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan reached a milestone of scoring 40+ points in four consecutive playoff games, a feat later equaled by Brunson.

1994: Stephon Marbury's Assist Record

In 2014, during the FIBA Americas U18 Championship, Jalen Brunson surpassed Stephon Marbury's 1994 record of 12 assists by recording 13 against Uruguay.

1997: Highest Scorer in Fourth Quarters

On May 12, Jalen Brunson became the highest scorer in fourth quarters through the first 10 games of a playoffs since 1997, surpassing Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry.

May 5, 2014: Invited to USA Basketball Tryouts

On May 5, 2014, Jalen Brunson was among the 21 athletes invited to try out for the 12-member USA national team for the 2014 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

December 30, 2017: Brunson Scores 31 Points in Loss to Butler

On December 30, 2017, Jalen Brunson scored 31 points in a game against Butler, but Villanova lost the game, marking their first defeat of the season.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks

On June 21, 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks as the 33rd overall pick in the NBA draft, becoming the fourth and final Villanova player selected in the 2018 NBA draft.

October 17, 2018: NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Jalen Brunson made his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks, recording three points, one rebound, and one assist in a loss against the Phoenix Suns.

2018: Drafted into the NBA

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted as the 33rd overall selection by the Dallas Mavericks, marking the beginning of his NBA career.

March 12, 2019: Career High 34 Points

On March 12, 2019, Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 34 points, along with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal, in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

December 16, 2019: Brunson posts a Career-High 11 Assists

On December 16, 2019, with Luka Dončić out, Brunson started and posted a career-high 11 assists and his first double-double of the season with 13 points as the Mavericks ended the Milwaukee Bucks' 18-game win streak.

April 16, 2022: Playoff Game 1 Performance

On April 16, 2022, during Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, Jalen Brunson recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a 93–99 loss to the Utah Jazz.

June 2, 2022: Father Hired as Knicks Assistant Coach

On June 2, 2022, Jalen Brunson's father was hired by the New York Knicks as an assistant coach.

July 12, 2022: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2022, Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the New York Knicks.

2022: Signed with the New York Knicks

In 2022, Jalen Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent after playing four years with the Dallas Mavericks.

January 4, 2023: Brunson Scores 38 Points in Win Over Spurs

On January 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists, in a 117–114 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

June 4, 2023: Commitment to Team USA for FIBA World Cup

According to a June 4, 2023, tweet from Marc Stein referenced by CBS Sports, Jalen Brunson was one of the first commitments to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

November 20, 2023: Earns Second NBA Player of the Week Award

On November 20, 2023, Jalen Brunson earned his second NBA Player of the week award as the Knicks went 3–1 while he averaged 28.5 points and 6.5 assists.

January 1, 2024: Career-High 14 Assists

On January 1, 2024, Jalen Brunson posted a career-high 14 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves in OG Anunoby's debut with the Knicks.

July 12, 2024: Brunson Signs Contract Extension

On July 12, 2024, Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with New York through the 2028–29 season.

2024: NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team Selection

In 2024, Jalen Brunson became an NBA All-Star and received his first All-NBA Team selection.

2024: Olympic Games Invitation Secured

Team USA secured a 2024 Olympic Games invitation after the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

January 25, 2025: Named Eastern Conference All-Star Starter

On January 25, 2025, Jalen Brunson was named as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

December 13, 2025: Season-High 40 Points Against Orlando Magic

On December 13, 2025, Jalen Brunson scored a then season-high 40 points and delivered 8 assists to lead the New York Knicks to a 132–120 victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinal.

2025: Led Knicks to Eastern Conference Finals

In 2025, Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.

2025: Potential Contract and Team Flexibility

In the 2025 offseason, Brunson could have been eligible for a larger contract but opted to take less to provide the team with more flexibility for future moves.