Two years ago Brunson, the most celebrated second-round pick since Nikola Jokic, led all American-born players in scoring, and he has since maintained the pace. He has been an MVP top-five finisher and for the second time with the Knicks he’s averaging 28 points.

Jalen Brunson dropped 40 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-120 on Saturday in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals.

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Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper are back in stride, while Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are playing with a ton of composure. An epic showdown is on tap for who will lift the Emirates NBA Cup.

“He’s smart, man,” said Orlando guard Jalen Suggs, one of the better point-of-attack defenders in the NBA. “He’s got good pace and he’s really smart. He doesn’t really get too bored with the game. He doesn’t get too bored keeping it simple. He challenges you every possession.

Brunson took over the game from the very start Tuesday night, scoring the first points of the game and not stopping until he poured in 20 of his game-high 35 points in the opening quarter, leading the Knicks to a 117-101 win over the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena and earning a trip to the semifinals of the NBA Cup.