Brunson Returns, Drops 28 Points in Knicks Victory

Jalen Brunson returned to action, scoring 28 points on 11-of-23 shooting from the field, including 2-of-7 from three-point range, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also contributed five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes during the New York Knicks' 113-111 win over the Mavericks. Brunson's career has seen significant growth, averaging a career-high 28.7 points per game in the 2023-24 season and leading the shorthanded Knicks to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite a fractured hand that required surgery, he is expected to be fully available for training camp. His fantasy value is projected to remain high, even with the additions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, and trades involving Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. Brunson has consistently finished within the top 50 in eight-category leagues for three consecutive campaigns, reaching a career-high 18th place last season. He averaged a career-best 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in 68 starts during his first year with the Knicks in 2022-23, exceeding expectations from his free-agent signing. He is set to continue as the Knicks' starting point guard and primary playmaker, with nothing suggesting a decrease in his offensive role. His previous role with the Mavericks saw him average 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers per game, with strong shooting percentages of 50.2% from the field and 84.0% from the free-throw line. In the 2021 playoffs, he stepped up significantly in Luka Doncic's absence, averaging 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across three games against the Jazz. His time with the Mavericks also included a sixth-man role where he averaged career highs of 12.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, with career-best field-goal (52.3%) and three-point (40.5%) percentages. Earlier in his career, as a rookie, he averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 73 games, showing potential in an expanded role with 13.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 38 starts. His college career at Villanova was highlighted by leading the team to two National Championships and winning AP Player of the Year and the Wooden Award, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in his final season.