When Alan Hahn — a former player, longtime Knicks analyst, and respected voice in basketball circles — speaks, people around the NBA listen. So when he publicly declared that he recognizes Jalen Brunson as one of the “best winners” in the NBA right now, it wasn’t just a hot take. It was a statement grounded in observation, credibility, and a deep understanding of what winning basketball truly looks like.
In a league filled with stat-sheet stuffers and viral highlight machines, being called a “winner” carries a different kind of weight. It speaks to impact. To clutch moments. To consistency. To leadership. And to a mindset that’s focused not just on individual accolades, but on bringing out the best in teammates and elevating a franchise. That’s exactly what Jalen Brunson has done since arriving in New York — and exactly why Hahn’s comment resonates so strongly.
Brunson’s Arrival in New York: A Turning Point
When the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson in the summer of 2022, the move was met with both optimism and skepticism. Some wondered if Brunson, a second-round pick in 2018, was worth the investment. Others questioned whether he could be the lead guard for a franchise yearning for postseason relevance. But those questions didn’t linger for long.
From day one, Brunson brought a level of professionalism, intensity, and confidence that immediately changed the Knicks’ identity. No flash, no ego — just high IQ basketball, unselfish play, and the hunger to win. He didn’t have to tell fans he was a winner. He showed it, night in and night out.
What Makes Brunson a “Winner”?
The term “winner” in the NBA isn’t about the best player on paper. It’s about the guy who makes the plays that decide games. The one who leads a comeback, steadies the team in crunch time, and brings out the best in those around him. Brunson does all of that — and more.
1. Clutch Mentality:
Time and again, Brunson has proven himself to be one of the league’s most reliable players in pressure moments. Whether it’s hitting tough mid-range jumpers with the game on the line or calmly sinking free throws in the final seconds, he plays with a calmness that belies the moment. When the Knicks need a bucket or a smart decision, it’s Brunson who gets the call — and delivers.
2. Leadership by Example:
Brunson may not be the most vocal player in the NBA, but his work ethic, poise, and professionalism set the tone for the entire Knicks locker room. Teammates follow his lead because they see the preparation. They see the focus. And they know that he’s all about the team. That kind of leadership is invaluable, especially in the postseason.
3. Elevating Teammates:
Great point guards make the players around them better — and Brunson has done exactly that. Julius Randle has thrived playing alongside him. Josh Hart, his former college teammate, fits perfectly into the hard-nosed, all-effort identity Brunson embodies. Even younger players like Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley have found confidence and rhythm playing in a system Brunson anchors.
4. Winning Pedigree:
Before he was doing it on the NBA stage, Brunson was winning at every level. Two NCAA championships with Villanova cemented his status as a high-level competitor. Those experiences shaped his mature approach to the pro game and gave him a blueprint for what winning basketball really requires: sacrifice, focus, and execution.
The Stats Back It Up
While Brunson’s intangibles set him apart, his numbers are nothing to overlook. In the 2023-24 regular season, he averaged career highs in points and assists, leading the Knicks in both categories. But more importantly, his efficiency and control of the offense helped New York secure a top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the postseason, he’s elevated his game even further — a hallmark of great players and, yes, great winners. He’s among the top scorers in playoff averages and has led the Knicks through grueling, physical series where every possession mattered. His ability to maintain that level of excellence under playoff pressure is exactly what Alan Hahn was recognizing when he made his comments.
More Than a Star — A Foundation
What’s clear now is that Jalen Brunson isn’t just the Knicks’ point guard. He’s their cornerstone. Their culture-setter. Their closer. And as Alan Hahn pointed out, one of the most respected “winners” in the entire NBA.
That title doesn’t come from flashy headlines or All-Star votes (though those should be coming too). It comes from the impact he has on winning. The toughness he brings. The quiet fire that fuels him. It comes from turning a once-struggling franchise into a real playoff threat.
The Future Is Bright — and Built Around Brunson
For Knicks fans who’ve endured years of uncertainty and unmet expectations, Brunson represents hope — and something even better: reliability. You know what you’re getting every night. Effort. Execution. Leadership. Winning plays. And that’s exactly what the Knicks need if they hope to compete for an NBA championship in the years to come.
As the Knicks continue their postseason journey, the basketball world is starting to catch up to what Alan Hahn and diehard fans already know: Jalen Brunson is built different. He doesn’t need the spotlight. He just wants the win.
And in today’s NBA, that makes him rare.
That makes him valuable.
That makes him one of the best winners in the game right now. 😤
