History of Jalen Brunson in Timeline

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Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson, nicknamed "Brunson Burner", is an American professional basketball player currently with the New York Knicks. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he played his first four NBA seasons, Brunson had a successful college career at Villanova. As a junior, he was named national player of the year and won two national championships. He is known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills.

1961: Guerin's Single-Season Record

In the 1961-62 season, Richie Guerin set a Knicks franchise single-season record with 36 30-point games, a record tied by Brunson.

1973: Oscar Robertson's Playoff Games

In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson became one of the only NBA players to have three 35+-point/10+-assist games in an NBA playoff series, which Brunson later matched.

1984: King's NBA Playoff Performance

During the 1984 NBA playoffs, King scored 46 points in two separate games, setting a high mark before Brunson's later achievements.

1984: Bernard King's Consecutive 35+-Point Games

In the 1984-85 season, Bernard King had a streak of 5 consecutive 35+-point games for the Knicks, a feat later matched or surpassed by Jalen Brunson.

March 18, 1988: Michael Jordan's Milestone Game

On March 18, 1988, Michael Jordan recorded at least 50 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and five steals, a performance later matched by Jalen Brunson.

1989: Ewing's Single-Season Record

In the 1989-90 season, Patrick Ewing matched Richie Guerin's Knicks franchise single-season record with 36 30-point games, a record tied by Brunson.

1989: Michael Jordan's 'The Shot'

Michael Jordan closed out an NBA playoff series with 3 consecutive 40+-point games with 'The Shot' in the 1989 NBA playoffs, a feat Brunson later matched.

1993: Jordan's NBA Finals Performance

During the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan became one of the only NBA players to score 40+ points in four consecutive playoff games, a feat Brunson later matched.

1994: Marbury's Assist Record

In the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, Stephon Marbury recorded 12 assists against Brazil. This record was later surpassed by Brunson.

August 31, 1996: Jalen Brunson's Birth

On August 31, 1996, Jalen Marquis Brunson was born. He is now a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

November 1996: Scottie Pippen's Plus-Minus Record

In November 1996, Scottie Pippen recorded the highest single-month plus-minus in NBA history (272), a record that Jalen Brunson nearly matched in January 2024.

2001: Sister Erica Born

Around 2001, Jalen Brunson's sister, Erica, was born.

February 4, 2003: Latrell Sprewell's Perfect 3-Point Game

On February 4, 2003, New York Knick Latrell Sprewell set an NBA record for perfect three-point shooting, going 9-9, which was later tied by Jalen Brunson.

April 14, 2006: Ben Gordon Ties 3-Point Record

On April 14, 2006, Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls tied the NBA record for perfect three-point shooting, going 9-9, a record also tied by Jalen Brunson.

2010: Family Moved to Lincolnshire, Illinois

In 2010, the Brunson family settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where Jalen played high school basketball.

March 21, 2012: Ben Gordon Ties 3-Point Record Again

On March 21, 2012, Ben Gordon, playing for the Pistons, tied the NBA record again for perfect three-point shooting, going 9-9, a record also tied by Jalen Brunson.

2012: All-Lake County Honorable Mention

In 2012, as a freshman, Brunson received All-Lake County honorable mention selection while playing for Stevenson High School.

2012: Anthony's Consecutive 35+-Point Games

In the 2012-13 season, Carmelo Anthony had a streak of 6 consecutive 35+-point games for the Knicks, a feat later approached by Jalen Brunson.

March 16, 2013: IHSA Class 4A Championship Game

On March 16, 2013, Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A championship game, where they lost to Simeon Career Academy.

2013: IHSA Tournament Final Four Loss

In 2013, Brunson's team lost to teams led by Parker in the IHSA tournament final four.

January 24, 2014: Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Record

On January 24, 2014, Carmelo Anthony set the Knicks franchise record of 62 points in a single game, a record that Jalen Brunson came within one point of breaking in 2024.

February 21, 2014: Scored 57 Points in Double Overtime

On February 21, 2014, Brunson scored 57 points in a double overtime victory over Lake Forest High School, setting school records.

April 2014: College Visits

In April 2014, Illinois, Purdue, Kansas and Villanova had in-home visits with Brunson.

May 3, 2014: Announced Top Eight Schools

On May 3, 2014, Brunson announced his top eight schools for college basketball: UConn, Michigan State, Illinois, Kansas, Purdue, Villanova, Michigan, and Temple.

May 5, 2014: Invited to USA Basketball Tryouts

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

2014: IHSA Tournament Final Four Loss

In 2014, Brunson's team lost to teams led by Okafor in the IHSA tournament final four.

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

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

2015: IHSA Class 4A Title

In 2015, Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A title, scoring a record 30 points in the championship game and winning Illinois Mr. Basketball.

2015: Started Season

In 2015, Brunson opened the season in the starting lineup with 12 points and 4 assists against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.

2015: Participated in multiple events

In 2015, Brunson participated in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.

2015: McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand Classic Selection

In 2015, Brunson was named to the McDonald's All-American Boys Game roster, Jordan Brand Classic roster and Nike Hoop Summit roster.

2015: Bob Cousy Award Watchlist

In 2015, Brunson was selected to the 20-man Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist.

2015: Prior 3-Point Record

Prior to the 2021 NBA season, five players had achieved 7-7 on three-point shots in an NBA half, all before 2015.

October 16, 2016: Anthony Davis' 50-Point Performance

On October 16, 2016, Anthony Davis recorded 50 points, five assists, and five steals, a feat later matched by Jalen Brunson.

2016: Won NCAA Championship

In 2016, Brunson and the Villanova Wildcats won the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, with Brunson as a starter.

2016: Bob Cousy Award Watchlist

In 2016, Brunson was a selection to the 20-man Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist again as a sophomore.

2016: Point Guard Ranking

In 2016, Brunson was the number 2 ranked point guard in the class of 2016.

February 10, 2017: Carmelo Anthony's Efficient Scoring Quarter

On February 10, 2017, Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks went 5-5 on three-point shots (8-8 from the field) in a quarter and 6-6 in a half.

December 30, 2017: 31 Points vs. Butler

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

2017: Player of the year honors

In 2017, Brunson was named the national player of the year

2017: All-Big East First Team Selection

In 2017, following the regular season, Brunson was one of four unanimous selections to the 2016–17 All-Big East first team.

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. He was 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 an assist in a loss against the Phoenix Suns.

2018: Named All-American

In 2018, Brunson was named the national player of the year and a consensus first-team All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Villanova Wildcats.

2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted as the 33rd overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft.

March 12, 2019: Career High 34 Points

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

December 16, 2019: Ended Milwaukee Bucks Win Streak

On December 16, 2019, with Luka Dončić out, Brunson started and helped the Mavericks end an 18-game win streak by the Milwaukee Bucks, posting a career-high 11 assists and his first double-double of the season with 13 points.

December 17, 2019: College Basketball Player of the Decade

On December 17, 2019, Jalen Brunson was named college basketball player of the decade by Sporting News.

March 13, 2020: Shoulder Surgery

On March 13, 2020, it was reported that Jalen Brunson underwent surgery to repair a labrum injury in his right shoulder.

2021: Prior 3-Point Record

Prior to the 2021 NBA season, five players had achieved 7-7 on three-point shots in an NBA half, all before 2015.

April 16, 2022: Playoffs Game 1 vs. Utah Jazz

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

June 2, 2022: Father Hired by New York Knicks

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.

September 21, 2022: Engagement to Ali Marks

On September 21, 2022, Jalen Brunson announced his engagement to Ali Marks. The proposal occurred at Stevenson High School's gymnasium after Brunson's induction into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.

2022: Signed with 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: 38 Points vs. San Antonio Spurs

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

June 4, 2023: Commitment to Team USA

On June 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson was among the first commitments to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

July 29, 2023: Wedding to Ali Marks

On July 29, 2023, Jalen Brunson married Ali Marks at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, with current and former teammates in attendance.

November 20, 2023: 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, including back-to-back 32-point performances.

January 1, 2024: Career-High Assists

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

June 28, 2024: Appearance in WWE SmackDown

On June 28, 2024, Jalen Brunson made an appearance in WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, along with Tyrese Haliburton.

August 6, 2024: Named Knicks Captain

On August 6, 2024, Jalen Brunson was named the 36th captain in the history of the New York Knicks franchise, marking a significant leadership role.

August 2024: Birth of First Child

In August 2024, Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks announced the birth of their first child, who was born on July 31.

2024: All-Star and All-NBA Team Selection

In 2024, Brunson was selected as an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection for the first time.

2024: Olympic Games Invitation

In 2024, Team USA finished high enough (top 2 in the Americas) in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup to secure an invitation to the Olympic Games.

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

On January 25, 2025, Jalen Brunson was selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, recognizing his performance and impact.