Jalen Brunson Named Best Player Left in 2025 NBA Playoffs by Stephen A. Smith

Jalen Brunson has been playing the best basketball of his career this season, leading the New York Knicks to the Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. The last time this team made it that far, Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson, was a player on the roster.

After receiving the Clutch Player of the Year award this season and carrying one of the league’s most popular teams to just one series away from the NBA Finals, Knicks fans have every reason to feel confident as they prepare to face off against the Pacers.

This includes Knicks fans and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who made a bold claim that Brunson is the best player left in the playoffs this year.

“Jalen Brunson is clearly the best player in the playoffs,” Smith said on First Take. “Best player this postseason: Jalen Brunson. The best player in the last three postseasons—he’s the leading scorer, averaging 30 a game—better than anybody.”

Smith added that if anyone could challenge Brunson’s title as the best remaining player, it would be Anthony Edwards, given his talent and trajectory.

Take a look at the video of Smith below from First Take.

.@stephenasmith believes Jalen Brunson is “clearly” the best player left in the NBA playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/FMGKSw6oFA

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 20, 2025