History of Jalen Brunson in Timeline
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, he spent his first four NBA seasons there. Brunson's college career at Villanova University was highly decorated. As a junior, he earned the National Player of the Year award. He also secured two national championships during his time playing for Villanova.
1965: Longest Streak By Knicks Guard
In 1965, Knicks guard Dick Barnett achieved the longest streak by a Knicks guard since Jalen Brunson, logging 25 or more points in 12 consecutive contests.
1973: Oscar Robertson's Playoff Series Record
In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson was the first of two NBA players to have three 35+-point/10+-assist games in an NBA playoff series.
1984: Bernard King's Playoff Record
During the 1984 NBA playoffs, Bernard King twice scored 46 points in a single game, setting a Knicks single-game playoff record at the time.
March 18, 1988: Michael Jordan Stats
On March 18, 1988, Michael Jordan recorded at least 50 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and five steals, a feat that Jalen Brunson later matched.
1989: Michael Jordan's Consecutive 40-Point Games
During the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan closed out an NBA playoff series with 3 consecutive 40+-point games.
1993: Michael Jordan's NBA Finals Performance
In the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was the most recent player before Jalen Brunson to score 40+ points in four consecutive playoff games.
1994: Stephon Marbury's Assists Record
In the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, Stephon Marbury recorded 12 assists against Brazil, a record that was later surpassed by Jalen Brunson.
August 31, 1996: Jalen Brunson Born
On August 31, 1996, Jalen Marquis Brunson was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.
November 1996: Scottie Pippen's NBA Record
In November 1996, Scottie Pippen set the NBA record for the highest single-month plus-minus with 272.
2001: Sister Erica Born
Around 2001, Jalen Brunson's sister, Erica, was born.
February 4, 2003: Latrell Sprewell Perfect Three-Point Game
On February 4, 2003, Latrell Sprewell of the New York Knicks set an NBA record by going 9-9 from the three-point line, a feat that Jalen Brunson would later tie.
April 14, 2006: Ben Gordon Ties Perfect Three-Point Record
On April 14, 2006, Ben Gordon, playing for the Bulls, tied the NBA record for a perfect three-point game by going 9-9, a mark later equaled by Jalen Brunson.
2010: Family Settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois
In 2010, the Brunson family settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where Jalen played high school basketball for Stevenson High School.
March 21, 2012: Ben Gordon Ties Perfect Three-Point Record Again
On March 21, 2012, Ben Gordon, playing for the Pistons, again tied the NBA record for a perfect three-point game by going 9-9, a mark later equaled by Jalen Brunson.
2012: All-Lake County Honorable Mention
In 2012, Brunson was an All–Lake County honorable mention selection as a freshman.
March 16, 2013: IHSA Class 4A Championship Game Appearance
On March 16, 2013, Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A championship game, losing to Simeon Career Academy.
2013: Loss to Parker and Okafor in IHSA tournament
In 2013, prior to Jalen Brunson committing to Villanova, he had losses to Parker and Okafor in the IHSA tournament final four.
January 24, 2014: Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Franchise Record
On January 24, 2014, Carmelo Anthony set the Knicks franchise record for most points in a game.
February 21, 2014: Scored 57 Points
On February 21, 2014, as a junior, Brunson scored 57 points in a double overtime victory over Lake Forest High School, setting school records.
March 21, 2014: IHSA Playoff Scoring Record
On March 21, 2014, Brunson set the IHSA playoff single game scoring record against Whitney Young High School with 56 points.
May 5, 2014: USA Basketball Tryout Invitation
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.
2014: Committed to Villanova
On September 10, 2014, Brunson committed to Villanova. He was ranked as the number one point guard in the national class of 2015 by Scout.com at the time of his decision.
June 18, 2015: Named to USA U19 World Cup Team
On June 18, 2015, Jalen Brunson was named to the 12-man 2015 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup Team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
2015: Ranked as top player in the junior season
By the conclusion of the class of 2015's junior season, Brunson was the only point guard that was ranked in the top 25 players
2015: McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand Classic, Nike Hoop Summit
In 2015, Brunson participated in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. He also led Stevenson to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A championship and won Illinois Mr. Basketball and earned the MVP of the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
2015: Preseason Watchlist and Big East Selection
In 2015, Brunson was a selection to the Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist and was selected as the Big East Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year.
2015: Big East Freshman of the Week
In 2015, Brunson was named Big East Freshman of the Week after averaging 15.3 points during a 3-0 week for Villanova.
2015: Illinois Mr. Basketball and State Championship
In 2015, Brunson won Illinois Mr. Basketball and led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A title, scoring a record 30 points in the championship game.
2015: McDonald's All-American Game Roster Selection
On January 28, 2015, Brunson was named to the 2015 McDonald's All-American Boys Game roster.
2015: Prior Record
Prior to 2015, 5 players had gone 7-7 in an NBA half (first by Raef LaFrentz).
October 16, 2016: Anthony Davis Stats
On October 16, 2016, Anthony Davis recorded 50 points, five assists, and five steals, a feat that Jalen Brunson later matched.
2016: Preseason All-Big East Honorable Mention
In 2016, Brunson was a preseason All-Big East honorable mention selection.
2016: NCAA Champion
In 2016, Jalen Brunson and the Villanova Wildcats won the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74. He was a starter on the team.
2016: Stevenson Lost to Simeon
On February 21, 2016, Stevenson lost to Simeon in a game where Brunson scored 25 points.
February 10, 2017: Carmelo Anthony's Shooting Performance
On February 10, 2017, Carmelo Anthony went 5-5 on three-point shots (8-8 from the field) in a quarter and 6-6 in a half for the Knicks, showcasing his shooting ability.
December 30, 2017: 31-point game against Butler
On December 30, 2017, Jalen Brunson scored 31 points in a game against Butler, which resulted in Villanova's first loss of the season.
2017: All-Big East First Team Selection
In 2017, Brunson was a unanimous selection to the All-Big East first team.
2017: National Player of the Year
In 2017, Brunson was the National Player of the Year for the championship season of the 2017–18 Villanova Wildcats.
June 21, 2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks
On June 21, 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick, marking the beginning of his NBA career.
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: All-American
In 2018, Brunson was a Consensus first-team All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Wildcats.
2018: Awards and Honors
In 2018, Jalen Brunson received numerous awards and honors, including being named a consensus first-team All-American, USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy winner, Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year, and John R. Wooden Award winner.
2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks
In 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted as the 33rd overall selection by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft.
March 12, 2019: Career High 34 Points
On March 12, 2019, Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 34 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing his growing offensive capabilities.
December 16, 2019: Ended Bucks Win Streak
On December 16, 2019, while starting for the Mavericks, Jalen Brunson helped end the Milwaukee Bucks' 18-game win streak, contributing 13 points and a career-high 11 assists.
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, acknowledging his outstanding achievements and impact during that period.
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, which sidelined him for a period.
2021: Career Highs
During the 2021 NBA season, Jalen Brunson achieved career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, demonstrating his improved performance and contribution to the team.
April 16, 2022: Playoff Game 1
On April 16, 2022, in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, Jalen Brunson recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a loss to the Utah Jazz.
June 2, 2022: Father Hired by Knicks
On June 2, 2022, Jalen Brunson's father was hired as an assistant coach by the New York Knicks, creating a family connection to the team.
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, marking a significant move in his NBA career.
September 21, 2022: Engagement to Ali Marks
On September 21, 2022, Jalen Brunson announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Ali Marks, at Stevenson High School's gymnasium after being inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.
2022: Signed with New York Knicks
In 2022, after playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent.
January 4, 2023: 38-point game against Spurs
On January 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists, in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.
June 4, 2023: Commitment to Team USA
On June 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson committed to playing for Team USA in 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, recognizing his outstanding performance with the Knicks.
January 1, 2024: Career-High Assists
On January 1, 2024, Jalen Brunson achieved a career-high of 14 assists in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was also the debut of his new teammate OG Anunoby with the Knicks.
June 28, 2024: WWE SmackDown Appearance
On June 28, 2024, Jalen Brunson made an appearance on WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, alongside Indiana Pacers guard 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.
August 2024: Birth of First Child
In August 2024, Jalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Marks, announced the birth of their first child, born on July 31.
2024: NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team Selection
In 2024, Brunson became an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection for the first time.
2024: 2024 Olympic Games Invitation
In 2024, Team USA secured an invitation to the Olympic Games.
January 25, 2025: Named All-Star Starter
On January 25, 2025, Jalen Brunson was selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
