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 achieved significant success in college basketball. He played for the Villanova Wildcats, where he won two national championships and was named national player of the year as a junior, marking him as a promising talent before his entry into the professional league.

Sections (4)

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

1973: Second NBA Player with 35+-point/10+-assist Games

In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson had three 35+-point/10+-assist games. This achievement set a high standard for future players in NBA playoff series.

1984: Knicks Single-Game Playoff Record

During the 1984 NBA playoffs, a Knicks player twice scored 46 points, matching a record. This set the stage for future achievements by Knicks players in playoff games.

1989: Consecutive 40+-Point Games Since Michael Jordan

In the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan closed out an NBA playoff series with consecutive 40+-point games. This set a benchmark for players in subsequent playoff series.

1993: Jordan Scores 40+ in Four Consecutive Playoff Games

During the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan became the fourth player in NBA history to score 40+ in four consecutive playoff games. This marked a significant achievement in NBA history.

1994: Surpassed Stephon Marbury's Assists Record

Jalen Brunson surpassed Stephon Marbury's 12 assists against Brazil in the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship by recording 13 against Uruguay, setting a new USA Basketball U18 single-game assist record.

1997: Highest Scorer in Fourth Quarters of Playoffs Since 1997

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

May 5, 2014: Invited to USA Basketball Tryouts

On May 5, 2014, Jalen Brunson was announced as one of the 21 athletes invited to try out for the 12-member USA national team for the 2014 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, marking the beginning of his journey with USA Basketball.

June 18, 2015: Named to USA Basketball U19 World Cup Team

On June 18, 2015, Jalen Brunson was announced as a member of the 12-man 2015 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup Team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks

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

2022: Signed with New York Knicks

In 2022, after playing four years with the Dallas Mavericks and helping them reach the Western Conference finals, Jalen Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent.

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

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

July 12, 2024: 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, opting for less money to give the team more flexibility in the future.

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

In 2024, Jalen Brunson became an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection for the first time. He also set the NBA record for most three point shots made in a half without a miss (8) and tied the NBA record for most three point shots made in a single-game without a miss (9).

2024: Team USA Secured 2024 Olympic Invitation

Team USA secured a 2024 Olympic Games invitation after finishing high enough (top 2 in the Americas) in 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, marking a significant achievement in his career.

December 13, 2025: Leads Knicks to NBA Cup Semifinal Victory

On December 13, 2025, Jalen Brunson scored a 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, helping the team advance to the final.

2025: Led Knicks to Eastern Conference Finals

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

January 19, 2026: Third Consecutive NBA All-Star Selection

On January 19, 2026, Jalen Brunson earned his third consecutive NBA All-Star selection and was named a starter for the second time in a row, highlighting his consistent performance and recognition in the league.