Knicks Star's MVP Chances Dip Amid Scoring Slump

Jalen Brunson's MVP candidacy has taken a hit as his scoring has dipped in March, but the Knicks are still winning.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The New York Knicks have been one of the NBA's best teams this season, but the MVP conversation around their franchise star Jalen Brunson is quietly turning sour. Brunson, who was once a top-5 MVP candidate, has seen his scoring average drop to 18.8 PPG in March, causing him to fall to 10th on the official Kia MVP Ladder. However, Brunson's playmaking has remained strong, and the Knicks are still winning despite his scoring slump.

Why it matters

Brunson's MVP candidacy was built on his scoring prowess, so this recent dip in production has raised questions about his chances of winning the award. However, the Knicks' continued success without Brunson carrying the entire offensive load suggests the team may be finding a more balanced approach, which could benefit them in the playoffs.

The details

Brunson's scoring has taken a hit in March, with games of just 9 points against the Nuggets and 16 points against the Thunder. However, he has still been able to impact the game with his playmaking, recording 15-assist performances in those same games. The Knicks' improved supporting cast, with the emergence of Karl-Anthony Towns, has also reduced the need for Brunson to carry the entire offensive burden.

  • Brunson was ranked as high as 4th on the Kia MVP Ladder earlier this season.
  • Brunson's March averages have slipped to 18.8 PPG, down from around 30 PPG at his peak.
  • The Knicks have a tough road stretch coming up, facing the Lakers, Clippers, and Jazz from March 8-11.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks' franchise star, who was once a top-5 MVP candidate but has seen his scoring average and MVP chances dip in March.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' emerging supporting cast member, whose solid performances have reduced the need for Brunson to carry the entire offensive load.

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What’s next

The Knicks have a tough road stretch coming up, facing the Lakers, Clippers, and Jazz from March 8-11. If Brunson can deliver three consecutive top-notch performances against these teams, that could boost his MVP argument significantly.

The takeaway

Jalen Brunson's MVP candidacy has taken a hit due to a recent scoring slump, but the Knicks' continued success without him carrying the entire offensive load suggests the team may be finding a more balanced approach that could benefit them in the playoffs.