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, 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.

1984: Knicks Playoff Record

During the 1984 NBA playoffs, a Knicks player twice scored 46 points in a game.

March 18, 1988: Michael Jordan's Performance

On March 18, 1988, Michael Jordan recorded at least 50 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and five steals in an NBA game.

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.

August 31, 1996: Jalen Brunson Born

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

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.

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, Latrell Sprewell, playing for the New York Knicks, went 9-9 on three point shots, tying an NBA record for perfect three point performances.

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

On April 14, 2006, Ben Gordon, then playing for the Chicago Bulls, tied the NBA record for perfect three-point shooting, previously set on February 4, 2003 by Latrell Sprewell, by going 9 for 9 from beyond the arc.

2010: Family Moved to Lincolnshire, Illinois

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

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

On March 21, 2012, Ben Gordon, playing for the Detroit Pistons at the time, tied the NBA record for perfect three-point shooting, previously set on February 4, 2003, by Latrell Sprewell.

2012: All-Lake County Selection

In 2012, as a freshman, Jalen Brunson received an All-Lake County honorable mention selection as Stevenson finished the season with a 17-11 record.

March 16, 2013: IHSA Class 4A Championship Game Appearance

On March 16, 2013, Jalen Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A championship game but lost to Simeon Career Academy 58-40. Brunson was held to one point in the second half.

2013: IHSA tournament final four

In 2013, the team lost to teams led by Parker 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 points in a game.

February 21, 2014: Scored 57 points in double overtime victory

On February 21, 2014, junior Jalen Brunson scored 57 points in a double overtime victory over Lake Forest High School, setting school single-game and career scoring records.

April 2014: College Visits

In April 2014, Illinois, Purdue, Kansas and Villanova made in-home visits to Jalen Brunson for college recruitment.

May 3, 2014: Announced Top 8 Schools

On May 3, 2014, Jalen Brunson announced the eight schools he was considering 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 the 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

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

2015: IHSA Class 4A Title

In 2015, Brunson led Stevenson to their first state championship with an IHSA Class 4A title, scoring a record 30 points in the title game. He also won Illinois Mr. Basketball.

2015: Participated in All-Star Games and Won FIBA MVP

In 2015, Brunson participated in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. He also won MVP of the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

2015: Big East Conference Freshman of the Year

In 2015, Brunson was selected as the 2015-16 Big East Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year.

2015: Ranked Top Player

In 2015, Brunson was the only point guard ranked in the top 25 players at the conclusion of the class of 2015's junior season.

2015: Recognition on Wayman Tisdale Award watchlist

On December 2, 2015, Jalen Brunson earned recognition on the 18-man Wayman Tisdale Award watchlist.

2015: McDonald's All-American Selection

On January 28, 2015, Jalen Brunson was named to the 2015 McDonald's All-American Boys Game roster.

October 16, 2016: Anthony Davis' Stats

On October 16, 2016, Anthony Davis recorded 50 points, five assists, and five steals in an NBA game.

2016: Derryck Thornton Game

In 2016, Jalen Brunson and Stevenson faced Derryck Thornton, Jr. and Findlay Prep at the Hoophall Classic.

2016: Big East Honorable Mention

In 2016, Jalen Brunson was a preseason All-Big East honorable mention selection.

2016: Won NCAA Championship

In 2016, Jalen Brunson's Villanova Wildcats won the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, defeating North Carolina. He also made the final two free throws that secured a win against Kansas.

February 10, 2017: Carmelo Anthony's Shooting Performance

On February 10, 2017, Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks achieved a high shooting percentage, going 5-5 on three-point shots in a quarter and 6-6 in a half, also 8-8 from the field in a quarter.

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.

2017: Championship Season

During the 2017-2018 season, Jalen Brunson played for the championship season of the Villanova Wildcats.

2017: All-Big East First Team

In 2017, Jalen Brunson was a unanimous selection to the 2016-17 All-Big East first team. He also named to the February 9 Naismith Award Top 30 watch list.

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.

2018: Named All-American

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was named a consensus first-team All-American for the championship season of the Villanova Wildcats.

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.

December 17, 2019: Named 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: Surgery for Labrum Injury

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

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.

September 21, 2022: Engagement to Ali Marks

On September 21, 2022, Jalen Brunson announced his engagement to Ali Marks, his longtime girlfriend, at Stevenson High School.

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.

July 29, 2023: Wedding to Ali Marks

On July 29, 2023, Jalen Brunson married Ali Marks at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago.

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.

June 28, 2024: WWE SmackDown Appearance

On June 28, 2024, Jalen Brunson appeared in WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

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.

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: 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.