Jalen Brunson Expected to Miss Out on NBA Finals MVP as Reporters Chose Standout Knicks Performer

The New York Knicks are just one game away from winning their first NBA championship in over 50 years, and the best player from this series — provided they get the job done — will go down in history as an NYC legend. Taking the whole season into account, there's little doubt that Jalen Brunson has been the man who got them this far. But as far as the Finals MVP is concerned, someone else is considered the favorite to win the award.

A panel of 11 media members typically determines the Finals MVP. Only they have the right to vote for the player they believe deserves the honor. While many initially expected Brunson to be named the most valuable player, it now appears that OG Anunoby could be the frontrunner.

There were prior talks of Karl-Anthony Towns possibly becoming this year's Finals MVP. However, after an awful Game 3 performance (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist), it slightly ruined his chances of winning the award. While Brunson remains a prominent name, Anunoby has caught the attention of The Athletic representatives.

Nick Friedell, Tony Jones, Jay King, Eric Koreen, and Dan Woike shared their thoughts on who they believe deserves the MVP award.

Friedell said, "I would go with OG Anunoby. His plays down the stretch in Game 4 will be remembered forever if the Knicks win, and he has been the most solid two-way performer for the group throughout this series. If he has another big game in Game 5, I think the award is his."

Jones also went with Anunoby, highlighting his consistency throughout the series. He's averaged 23.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

"It’s up in the air right now, but I would choose Anunoby. Has he missed yet in the series? It doesn’t seem like it. He’s also the only Knick who seems comfortable finishing near Victor Wembanyama. It doesn’t hurt that Anunoby’s final-second sequence in Game 4 will be remembered forever," King said.

"On top of the heroics, Anunoby has defended at his usual elite level. His game-saving block against De’Aaron Fox was one of several swats Anunoby has racked up in transition. The Spurs’ ball handlers are impossibly athletic, but Anunoby can handle them."

Koreen then made the case for Anunoby by pointing to the Stephen Curry-Andre Iguodala Finals MVP debate from 2015. Curry, the regular-season MVP, averaged 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in the series, far more than Iguodala. However, it was Iguodala's defensive work on LeBron James that caught the attention of voters. Additionally, when the Warriors fell behind 2-1 in the series, his move into the starting lineup helped turn things around.

"The case for Anunoby is simple — no one has been better in their role than him, and he hit the biggest shot in the series," Woike added.

While Anunoby's numbers might be lower compared to Brunson's average of 29.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, his excellent defense and clutch moments have proved to be a crucial plus factor for the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson Opens Up About Being a Championship-Caliber Player

Jalen Brunson is currently competing in his first-ever NBA Finals series. After eight years of playing in the league, Brunson has finally reached the biggest stage of them all.

Last season, Brunson and his New York Knicks came close when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. However, they fell to the Indiana Pacers. Brunson and company vowed to come back stronger than before and delivered on that promise.

Fast forward to the present day, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel interviewed Brunson on Friday's press conference regarding what made him into a championship-caliber player today.

"I've always told myself, and always been taught by my parents, never be afraid to fail," Brunson said. "When those opportunities come about, you're not afraid of the moment because you worked hard enough to where if you do fail, you're going to learn anyway. ... That's the mindset my parents instilled in me."

The Knicks are one game away from achieving the ultimate goal of winning the NBA title. Despite the San Antonio Spurs being the favorite to win the series before the finals began, the Knicks have done a good job of proving everyone wrong.

Game 5 is set to take place at Frost Bank Center on Saturday. While Madison Square Garden would undoubtedly love to celebrate a championship on its home floor, Knicks fans would likely be just as happy to see their team wrap up the series in five games and bring the title back to New York.