We all know who the go-to guy is in the biggest moments at Madison Square Garden. Since joining the New York Knicks, and despite a Celtics championship, Jalen Brunson has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, and the numbers back it up. Over the past three NBA postseasons, no one has scored more fourth-quarter points than Brunson.
Jalen Brunson has become Mr. Clutch
His 261 points in 30 games led the entire league, outpacing Boston’s Jayson Tatum, who needed 43 games to reach 255. That clutch scoring has cemented Brunson as not just the heart of the Knicks but one of the league’s most feared closers.
Tatum’s Consistency vs. Brunson’s Impact
Jayson Tatum is a five-time All-Star and NBA champion, and his all-around game is elite. But in close playoff games, it’s Brunson who shines brightest. While Tatum has the accolades, Brunson has built his name on cold-blooded execution in the clutch.
His ability to create space, draw fouls, and hit dagger jumpers under pressure has made him a fixture on highlight reels and a hero for the MSG faithful.
Can Jalen Brunson lead the Knicks past the Celtics?
This postseason, Brunson’s numbers haven’t just been great—they’ve been historic. He’s scoring over 30 points per game and doing it with efficiency, composure, and leadership. It’s no wonder comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan and Mariano Rivera are starting to emerge.
He doesn’t just take the final shot, he owns the entire final stretch. And with the Knicks headed into a tough playoff series against Tatum’s Celtics, Knicks fans ask a simple question: If it’s close late, who do you trust more?
As the Knicks gear up to face the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, all eyes will be on Brunson and Tatum. But if recent history is any indicator, it’s Brunson who’s more likely to own the fourth quarter. And possibly the entire series.