Jalen Brunson Proves He's Captain Clutch as Knicks Edge Memphis in Dramatic Finish

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Describing Jalen Brunson in clutch moments is like explaining why people binge-watch procedural dramas—you know the ending, but the thrill is in the journey. The New York Knicks’ star guard has become a master at sending fans into ecstasy—or heartbreak—depending on what side of the court they’re cheering for. And lately, he's been putting on quite the show.

Before the All-Star break, Brunson hit a game-saving jumper with just 11 seconds left in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks. Not one to rest on his laurels, he followed it up after the break with another go-ahead shot—this time with 29 seconds left—to force overtime against the Chicago Bulls, ultimately securing the Knicks a win. Then came his 10-point spree in the final 2:31 against the Philadelphia 76ers, sealing yet another close call. But Friday night in Memphis? That was the pièce de résistance.

With the Knicks trailing most of the night, Brunson nailed a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24.1 seconds left to give New York a 1-point lead. The Memphis Grizzlies responded with an and-1 basket, reclaiming a 2-point advantage. On the Knicks’ next possession, all eyes were on Brunson, but instead of forcing a shot, he collapsed the defense and dished it to OG Anunoby for a wide-open three. The crowd fell silent as the ball swished through the net. Knicks win, 114-113. Cue the standing ovation for Captain Clutch.

"He’s a big-time shot-maker," said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. "But it’s also his teammates. They understand what has to be done to create those shots. And Jalen doesn’t force it—he makes the right reads. That last play? Beautiful."

Brunson’s ability to thrive under pressure traces back to high school, where he learned to fear being unprepared for big moments. That mindset has elevated him to the top of the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year race. He averages 5.5 points per clutch game (minimum 10 played), leading the league, and shoots over 50 percent from the field in those situations. In short, he’s a superhero disguised as a 6’2” guard.

On the season, the Knicks are an impressive 15-7 in clutch games, defined by the NBA as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within 5 points. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers can match New York's ability to keep their cool in tight contests. That resilience has become a defining trait of this Knicks squad, even if their overall performance still leaves fans scratching their heads.

Sure, there are valid concerns. The Knicks have struggled against the league's elite teams and have found themselves in too many nail-biters against mediocre opponents like Chicago and Brooklyn. But when the pressure’s on, this team delivers. And at the heart of it all? Brunson.

"It’s the mindset," said teammate Josh Hart, whose late-game screen set up one of Brunson’s critical shots. "It’s his shot-making and playmaking. He draws attention, makes the right reads, and gives us confidence. In close games, we know we’ve got one of the rare guys in the league who can finish the job."

For a team that’s been knocked for inconsistency, the Knicks’ ability to perform when it matters most is no small feat. It may not always be pretty, but winning is the ultimate goal—and New York is doing just that. Having Brunson out there to seal the deal? Well, that doesn’t hurt either.