Jalen Brunson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jalen Brunson.

Jalen Brunson, nicknamed "Brunson Burner," is an American professional basketball player currently with the New York Knicks. He was drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent his first four NBA seasons. Brunson achieved significant success in college basketball at Villanova University, earning National Player of the Year honors during his junior year and securing two national championships.

Sections (4)

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

1961: Richie Guerin's Knicks Record

In 1961-62, Richie Guerin tied the Knicks franchise single-season 30-point games record with his 36th which Brunson tied on April 11, 2024.

1973: Oscar Robertson's Playoff Record

In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson had three 35+-point/10+-assist games in a series, a feat Brunson matched in a later series.

1984: Bernard King's Playoff Record

During the 1984 NBA playoffs, Bernard King twice scored 46 points, a record Brunson surpassed with 47 points in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

1989: Patrick Ewing's Knicks Record

In 1989-90, Patrick Ewing tied the Knicks franchise single-season 30-point games record with his 36th which Brunson tied on April 11, 2024.

1989: Michael Jordan's Playoff Record

In the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan closed out a playoff series with 3 consecutive 40+-point games, a feat Brunson replicated.

1993: Michael Jordan's NBA Finals Record

In the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was the last player before Brunson to score 40+ points in four consecutive playoff games.

1994: Stephon Marbury's Assist Record

In the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, Stephon Marbury recorded 12 assists against Brazil. This record was surpassed by Brunson who recorded 13 assists against Uruguay on June 15, 2014.

November 1996: Scottie Pippen's NBA Plus-Minus Record

In November 1996, Scottie Pippen set the NBA record for the highest single-month plus-minus with 272, which was referenced when Jalen Brunson achieved the second-highest single-month plus-minus in January 2024 with 256.

2012: All-Lake County honorable mention

In 2012, as a freshman, Jalen Brunson was an All–Lake County honorable mention selection.

2012: Carmelo Anthony's Scoring Record

In 2012-13, Carmelo Anthony posted 6 consecutive 35+-point games, which was referenced when Brunson became the third Knick to achieve 5 consecutive 35+-point games on April 11, 2024.

January 24, 2014: Carmelo Anthony's Knicks Franchise Record

On January 24, 2014, Carmelo Anthony set the Knicks franchise record which Brunson was one point shy of matching on March 29, 2024.

February 21, 2014: School Scoring Records

On February 21, 2014, Brunson scored 57 points in a game against Lake Forest High School, setting school single-game and career scoring records.

2015: IHSA Class 4A Championship

In 2015, Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A title, setting a title-game record with 30 points. He was also named Illinois Mr. Basketball.

2015: Participation in All-Star Games and FIBA World Cup

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

2015: Preseason Watchlists and Rankings

In 2015, Jalen Brunson was selected to the Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist, named Big East Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year by coaches, and ranked among the top 50 college basketball players by ESPN and NBC Sports.

2015: Player Ranking

In 2015, Jalen Brunson was the only point guard ranked in the top 25 players at the conclusion of the class of 2015's junior season and was voted best passer by his peers.

2015: McDonald's All-American Game Roster

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

2016: NCAA Championship with Villanova

In 2016, Jalen Brunson won the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament championship with the Villanova Wildcats, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels.

2016: Ascension to top position

On December 5, 2016, the Villanova Wildcats ascended into the top position in the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball rankings.

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, marking the first loss of the season for Villanova.

2017: All-Big East First Team

Following the regular season, Jalen Brunson was a unanimous selection to the 2016–17 All-Big East first team. He also decided to return to Villanova for his junior season.

2017: National Championship with Villanova Wildcats

Jalen Brunson was a Consensus first-team 2018 All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Villanova Wildcats.

2018: National Player of the Year

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was named the National Player of the Year and a Consensus first-team All-American.

March 12, 2019: Career-High 34 Points Against Spurs

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

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.

November 20, 2023: NBA Player of the Week Award

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

January 1, 2024: Career-High Assists Against Timberwolves

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

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.

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 and tied NBA records for three-point shots made in a half and single-game without a miss, respectively.