The announcement was made Saturday evening by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during a live broadcast that drew record viewership, as Brunson beat out fierce competition from superstars like Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to take home the league’s highest individual honor.
So, what made Brunson the clear-cut MVP in 2025? Here’s why he earned it:
1. Career-Best Numbers
Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game — all career highs — while shooting over 49% from the field and nearly 41% from three-point range. His offensive efficiency, combined with improved shot selection and late-game execution, made him one of the league’s most unguardable players.
2. Elevating the Knicks to Contender Status
More than just personal stats, Brunson’s impact was deeply felt in the Knicks’ historic regular-season run. New York posted its best record since the 1990s, finishing first in the Eastern Conference for the first time in decades. Brunson was the engine behind it all — a true floor general who brought consistency, toughness, and belief back to Madison Square Garden.
3. Leadership On and Off the Court
What separates Brunson from other stars is his presence. Teammates routinely praise his maturity, accountability, and ability to make others better. Head coach Tom Thibodeau described him as “the soul of this team,” while veteran Julius Randle called Brunson “the leader New York’s been waiting for.”
4. MVP Moments
Throughout the season, Brunson delivered unforgettable performances — including a 52-point game against Milwaukee, a triple-double in a comeback win over Boston, and a game-winning buzzer beater against Miami that became an instant viral moment. He didn’t just show up — he showed out when it mattered most.
5. The Return of New York Basketball
Brunson’s MVP win is more than an individual achievement — it symbolizes the return of relevance for Knicks basketball. Madison Square Garden hasn’t buzzed like this in years, and the city has embraced Brunson as the face of the franchise, a steady force in an often chaotic sports town.
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