How's Brunson playing, compared to last year?

[KnicksGadfly]

I wanted to bring this up because it feels like Brunson has been more divisive this year, with people saying he has to play better.

On a surface level, his numbers look improved.

PPG: 28.7 -> 25.1
FG: 47.9 -> 49.1%
3FG: 40.1 -> 44.6%
FT%: 84.7% - > 82.8% at around the same numbers a game
TS%: 59.3 -> 62.3%
Rebounds: 3.6 -> 2.9
Assists: 6.7 ->7.6
Turnovers: 2.4 -> 2.5

What do you all think? Are the numbers more of a mirage? Is he playing worse? Are we missing something? Am I making stuff up and am I just overamplifying a few voices that are anti-Brunson?

[Fat]

Needs to improve his shot blocking and dunking.

[Capn'O]

I defer to what I said in the Pelicans post game:

Now that I'm less pissed off about the reffing in this one - so the thing about JB that's been off this year but I couldn't quite put a finger on yet is we hadn't seen him play angry. He's been focusing on onboarding KAT and Mikal and finding his spots with the new group but we haven't quite seen him say "**** you, this game is mine" yet.

So... he can still do that. And I think between the BS the refs were pulling with KAT and our lackluster performance this was a good game for him to do it. Otherwise, I'm fine with him saving most of that mojo for the playoffs.

So, what's kind of cool is he seems to be putting up this baseline production while basically playing within himself and adjusting new personnel to the system. Last year everyone was already integrated and he was just going nuclear a lot more.

It resolves at: he's playing differently so far.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Like he's orchestrating a symphony out there at times!!! He's the best PG we have had since Clyde. He's one of the best PGs in the league. All star stud. Period. End of story.

[FrozenEnvelope]

The Cap is shooting better and orchestrating better. And he can still go into Iverson/Kobe mode and take over games when he needs to like the other night.

Those who gave up and trashed and wanted JB traded earlier in the season should've been banned!

[Woodsanity]

Only complaint is I wish his defense was a bit better.

[thebuzzardman]

Only complaint is I wish his defense was a bit better.

That got said about Magic Johnson a lot too

[Jalen Bluntson]

Only complaint is I wish his defense was a bit better.

[Phish Tank]

the scoring load is off of him now that he has a legitimate 2nd option and a solid 3rd option on offense. The FT% will work itself out, but I think he's playing better than last year.

[Capn'O]

Those who gave up and trashed and wanted JB traded earlier in the season should've been banned!

I'd be surprised if Brunson doesn't retire a Knick. If not, mayyyybe a final season or two wandering around in his twilight. Even with that, I'd wager he'll know when it's time to leave the driver's seat and take a Dirk sort of final deal/role with the Knicks. Hell, he might even prepare to transition to coach.

Him not going anywhere is about as sure of a thing as there is in this league.

[Woodsanity]

Only complaint is I wish his defense was a bit better.

Its just a minor complaint. Much more disappointed in Bridges defense since he is a known "elite defender".

[Jalen Bluntson]

Only complaint is I wish his defense was a bit better.

Its just a minor complaint. Much more disappointed in Bridges defense since he is a known "elite defender".

Bridges is figuring it out. The whole team is. #6 Opponents points per game as a team is pretty good, no?

[Woodsanity]

Its just a minor complaint. Much more disappointed in Bridges defense since he is a known "elite defender".

Bridges is figuring it out. The whole team is. #6 Opponents points per game as a team is pretty good, no?

We are playing a lot better D than at the start of the season. I am not too worried. Only concern is Mitch is constantly injured. I bet we would be a top 5 defense if he was healthy. Offense would be slightly worse with twin towers but defense would be elite.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Its just a minor complaint. Much more disappointed in Bridges defense since he is a known "elite defender".

Bridges is figuring it out. The whole team is. #6 Opponents points per game as a team is pretty good, no?

We are playing a lot better D than at the start of the season. I am not too worried. Only concern is Mitch is constantly injured. I bet we would be a top 5 defense if he was healthy. Offense would be slightly worse with twin towers but defense would be elite.

We don't need to start Mitch. We are good right now. Adding Mitch off the bench and, obviously they will share a few minutes together, is a good thing. We may be able to keep the Gimp healthy for the playoffs. It's all about avoiding major injury and getting the bench going. Tighten up the D as much as possible and we can get to the promised land with this squad. Maybe a tweak to the bench but, definitely need them to produce more if we want to win it all.

[F N 11]

He’s been way better. Picking his spots and being a leader.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Buzz in here voting worse.

[ctorres]

Not only is his 7.6 apg a career high, but his 3.08 assist to turnover ratio is also a career high

3pt fg% is a career high at 44.6%

2pt fg% is his highest as a Knick at 52.0%

Overall fg% is his highest as a Knick at 49.3%

So statistically, he is better compared to last year

[Jeff Van Gully]

Not only is his 7.6 apg a career high, but his 3.08 assist to turnover ratio is also a career high

3pt fg% is a career high at 44.6%

2pt fg% is his highest as a Knick at 52.0%

Overall fg% is his highest as a Knick at 49.3%

So statistically, he is better compared to last year

as is the entire team

[thebuzzardman]

Buzz in here voting worse.

lol.

I voted same

[Jalen Bluntson]

Buzz in here voting worse.

lol.

I voted same

It was Greenie.