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Jalen Brunson named playoff MVP following standout Finals performance

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 4:14 AM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Jalen Brunson named playoff MVP following standout Finals performance

Summary

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has been selected as the Playoff MVP for 2026 after leading his team to the NBA championship. Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, and contributed significantly in the decisive Game 5, scoring 45 points. Analysts noted that despite mixed analytics, his performance under pressure justified the selection. Other notable candidates included Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The decision reflects Brunson's pivotal role in the Knicks' dominant playoff run and adds to his accolades in a remarkable season.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Brunson scored 45 points in Game 5 of the Finals.
•He averaged 28.4 points per game during the playoffs.
•The Knicks finished the playoffs with a 16-3 record.
•Brunson's performance overshadowed runner-ups Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander.

Latest Updates

4:14 AMYahoo Sports — Playoff MVPs: Choosing the best player in each postseason in NBA history

What they're saying

"
In the NBA, there is a regular season MVP and a Finals MVP, but no award for the best player of the postseason, which is odd if you think about it. Hell, we even had a bubble MVP that one time. No worries, though, because we are here to right that wrong by naming a Playoff…
— Yahoo Sports

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